Question

Which of the following features are mostly observed in self-pollinating flowers?
A) Inconspicuous flowers
B) Presence of nectar
C) No fragrance
D) Short style
E) Versatile anthers

Answer 1

Pollination is a method where transfer of pollen grains happens from anther to stigma of the flower. Anther is the male reproductive part of the flower whereas stigma is the female reproductive part of the flower. Pollen can happen through various methods. It can happen in the same flower or pollen can get transferred to the reproductive part of another flower by wind, insects or bats. The former is called self-pollination and the latter is called cross-pollination.

Complete answer:
Self-pollination is referred to as the primary type of pollination as it includes a single flower. It occurs when pollen grains fall directly from anther into the stigma of the same flower or different flowers of the same plant. This process is quite simple and fast, which leads to a reduction in genetic diversity and ensures that recessive characters terminate. The amount of pollen grain produced is very less so there is no pollen wastage. As there is no involvement of external factors like wind, water chances of success or self-pollination are high. The immunity to diseases is reduced in the resultant off-springs.

Other characteristics observed in these types of flowers are they are generally small, not showy and difficult to see which generally means the inconspicuous flower. They are less attractive and without nectar and this type of pollination can happen only in bisexual flowers. Versatile anther, lack of fragrance, presence of nectar are the characteristics of the wind-pollinated flower, which is a type of cross-pollination.

Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘A’ i.e, inconspicuous flower.

Note: Some of the adaptations of self-pollinated flowers are
i) Homogamy: This is the condition in which flowers are bisexual. Here to facilitate self-pollination and stigma mature at the same time E.g., Mirabilis, Ixora, Sunflower, etc.
ii) Cleistogamy: This happens in some bisexual flowers which never opens as a result of which pollen grain may only pollinate on the stigma of the same flower. E.g., Groundnut.

- However continuous self-pollination leads to the production of weaker progeny and there are no chances of the production of new species or varieties of plants and ultimately chances of evolution is also negligible compared to cross-pollination.