Can apomictic embryos be called clones?

Yes, they are clones.

Apomictic embryos are clones, so the answer is (a).

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction. In apomixis, seeds are produced without the process of fertilization, and the embryos develop from unfertilized egg cells.

Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction in plants that does not involve fertilization. Apomictic embryos are formed from unfertilized eggs, or from other cells of the ovule, such as the nucellus or integuments.

Because apomictic embryos are not formed from fertilized eggs, they are genetically identical to the parent plant. This means that they can be called clones.

Cloning is the process of creating an organism that is genetically identical to another organism. Apomictic embryos are created without fertilization, so they are clones of the parent plant.

The other options are incorrect. Option (b) is incorrect because apomictic embryos do have the same genetic composition as the parent plant. Option (c) is incorrect because apomictic embryos can be produced from any cell of the ovule, not just nucellar cells. Option (d) is incorrect because cloning does occur in apomixis.