Question

Consider the following statements.

(i) In Gynandropsis, Passiflora, etc. thalamus is elongated and shows well developed nodes and internodes.
(ii) The floral buds in Agave, Allium, etc. may sometimes get modified into vegetative buds or bulbils.
(iii) Sepals are concerned with protection of flowers in bud condition and petals help to attract insects for pollination.
(iv) Stamens and carpels serve as the male and female reproductive organs respectively.

Which of the following combinations of above statements provides an evidence that flower is a modified shoot?

• A. (i) and (ii)
• B. (ii) and (iii)
• C. (iii) and (iv)
• D. (i) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is A (i) and (ii)

The flower is a modified shoot, divided into nodes and internodes like an ordinary vegetative shoot. However, some of the flowering shoots are highly compressed (i.e. the distinction between nodes and internodes is lost).

In Gynandropsis, Passiflora, etc. the thalamus is elongated and shows well-developed nodes and internodes between the floral organs.

The floral buds in Agave, Allium, etc., are modified into vegetative buds/bulbils. This shows a reversion to the original structure, i.e., vegetative bud from which these have developed.

and, the (iii) (iv) is also correct statements, but they are not an evidence which shows that the flower is a modified shoot.

Hence, the correct answer is (A)