Question

Advantage of cleistogamy is

• A. Higher genetic variability.
• B. More vigorous offspring.
• C. No dependence on pollinators.
• D. Vivipary.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

No dependence on pollinators.

• Cleistogamy or automatic self-pollination describes the trait of certain plants to propagate by using non-opening, self-pollinating flowers.
• Especially well known in peanuts, peas, and beans, this behavior is most widespread in the grass family.
• The principal advantage of cleistogamy is that it requires fewer plant resources to produce seeds than chasmogamy because the development of petals, nectar, and large amounts of pollen are not required.
• This efficiency makes cleistogamy particularly useful for seed production on unfavorable sites or adverse conditions.
• The obvious disadvantage of cleistogamy is that self-fertilization occurs, which may suppress the creation of genetically superior plants.

So, the correct answer is option C.