Persistent calyx helps in the fruit dispersal in which of the following families?
Persistent calyx helps in the fruit dispersal in which of the following families?
The correct option is D Asteraceae
Seed or fruit dispersal is the
essential part of the plant life cycle. If the seed get widely distributed in
space then it is biologically advantageous. Calyx is the lowermost, accessory part of the flower. It is constituted of sepals. They are usually green in color. Calyx protects the flower in bud stage. It is modified several times to serve different purposes. Seeds of family Brassicaceae are
dispersed through anemochory (wind dispersal) by Censer
mechanism. Censer mechanism is a type of anemochory where the seeds are
dispersed from the small opening on the fruit. This opening is very small that
only few seeds can escape at a time. Seeds of family Fabaceae are dispersed by compensated zoochory. The fruits are consumed by animals and seeds are
dispersed by them through their feces.
Seeds which
are presented with elaiosomes attract ants. Ants are attracted to such
seeds because elaiosomes are rich in lipid, amino acids
and nutrients. Ants take such seeds to their nest and feed nutritive
elaiosome part to their larvae. Then remaining seed is discarded
in disposal area which is rich in nutrients and dead bodies. Such site
provides optimum conditions for seeds to germinate. This is a mutualistic
relationship. Dispersal of seeds through ants is called as myrmecochory. It is a type of zoochory. Seeds of Liliacceae possess elaisomes.
Calyx is reduced and
modified into hairy pappus in Asteraceae family. Pappus forms a
parachute for wind dispersal of fruits.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D.
Seed or fruit dispersal is the essential part of the plant life cycle. If the seed get widely distributed in space then it is biologically advantageous.
Seeds which
are presented with elaiosomes attract ants. Ants are attracted to such
seeds because elaiosomes are rich in lipid, amino acids
and nutrients. Ants take such seeds to their nest and feed nutritive
elaiosome part to their larvae. Then remaining seed is discarded
in disposal area which is rich in nutrients and dead bodies. Such site
provides optimum conditions for seeds to germinate. This is a mutualistic
relationship. Dispersal of seeds through ants is called as myrmecochory. It is a type of zoochory. Seeds of Liliacceae possess elaisomes.
Calyx is reduced and
modified into hairy pappus in Asteraceae family. Pappus forms a
parachute for wind dispersal of fruits.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D.
