Question

Chasmogamy is pollination in
A. Bud condition
B. Closed flowers
C. Open flowers
D. Unrelated flowers

Answer 1

Chasmogamy is a reproductive system in plants in which pollination occurs in chasmogamous flowers. Chasmogamous comes from Greek for "open marriage."

Complete Answer:
With open petals encircling exposed reproductive parts, Chasmogamous flowers are usually showy. They are unfurled when the chasmogamous flowers have reached maturity, and their stamens and/or styles are made available for pollination. Although some plant species have self-fertilizing chasmogamous flowers, biotic (e.g. insects) or abiotic (e.g. wind) agents cross-pollinate the majority of chasmogamous flowers.

Cross-pollinated chasmogamous flowers have the advantage of sexual reproduction between two separate parents, leading to sexual recombination and genetically distinct seeds. These distinct seeds increase the genetic diversity of the plant population and minimise inbreeding depression and deleterious alleles. Seeds produced by cross-pollinated chasmogamous flowers can also exhibit hybrid vigour (heterosis) and increased fitness.

In order to encourage cross-pollination, chasmogamous flowers also have beautifully coloured petals and nectar guides / nectaries to attract and reward pollinators. However, these attractive floral organs can be disadvantageous as they are energetically expensive to manufacture and require a surplus of resources. The pollination of chasmogamous flowers often depends on the availability of pollinating agents. As a result, chasmogamous flowers typically grow when resources such as light , water, nutrients and pollinators are high.

The correct Answer is option (C) Open flowers.

Note: In addition to chasmogamy and cleistogamy, many plant species have a mixed breeding scheme that uses both chasmogamy and cleistogamous flowers. This breeding scheme was referred to under several names, including true cleistogamy,The presence of both flower types makes it possible for mixed breeding species to cross-pollinate and self-fertilize. This leads to an increase in genetic diversity and ensures reproductive success in variable environmental and pollinator environments.