Question

Some plants produce two types of very different looking flowers. One example is that of water melon. However, most plants like hibiscus produce only one type of flower. Why do you think this happens?

• A. The watermelon’s flowers only look different, but are essentially the same.
• B. The watermelon’s flowers are sterile and do not produce fruit.
• C. The watermelon has different types of flowers as this makes it more attractive to bees compared to the hibiscus
• D. The watermelon’s flowers are unisexual unlike that of the hibiscus.

Answer 1

The correct option is D

The watermelon’s flowers are unisexual unlike that of the hibiscus.

The watermelon’s flowers are unisexual. Each plant produces separate male and female flowers containing the respective sexual gametes. Most plants however are bisexual like the hibiscus and have a single type of flower containing both male and female parts.