Question

Which one of the following is one of the characteristics of self-pollinated flowers?
(a) Flowers are large and showy
(b) Flowers remain closed and do not open
(c) Stigma and anthers mature at the same time
(d) Pollen is produced in very large quantities

Answer 1

The correct option is (b):

Explanation of the correct option:

1. The self-pollinated flowers are bisexual, which means both the male and female parts are present in the same flower.
   
2. The pollination occurs inside the same flower and hence if the flower remains closed the chance of self-pollination is high.
   
3. This is why all these flowers remain closed.
   

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option (a):

1. The flowers are larger and showy in the case of cross pollination.
   
2. This condition is used to attract the pollinating agents towards the flower to help with pollination.

Option (c):

1. ​The stigma and anther tend to mature at the same time in the self and cross-pollinating flowers.
   
2. This is to ensure proper pollination as soon as pollen is released or carried by the pollinating agents to the female part.

Option (d):

1. ​During cross pollination, the pollen is produced in large quantities.
   
2. This is because in the process of pollination there is a loss of huge number of pollens and higher number of pollen increases the chance of pollination.
   

Final Answer: One of the characteristics of self-pollinated flowers is that flowers remain closed and do not open.