Question

Which of the following types of pollination may require pollinating agents but it is genetically similar to autogamy?

• A. Cleistogamy
• B. Xenogamy
• C. Geitonogamy
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C Geitonogamy

Geitonogamy usually requires pollinating agents as there is transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma of a different flower but of the same plant. However as the pollen grains deposited on the stigma belong to the same plant, it is genetically similar to autogamy (self pollination).

Cleistogamy is self pollination that occurs in bisexual flowers that never open. Hence pollinating agent is not required as the anthers and stigma lie close to each other and when anthers dehisce in the flower buds, pollen grains come in contact with the stigma causing pollination.

Xenogamy is the only type of pollination where pollinating agents bring genetically different pollen grains to the stigma.