Assertion: Cleistogamous flowers produce assured seed-set even in the absence of pollinators.
Reason: Cleistogamous flowers have exposed anthers and stigma.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is not correct.
Explanation:
Assertion (A) is true:
- Cleistogamous flowers are flowers that do not open and remain closed, ensuring self-pollination.
- Since external pollinators are not needed, seed-set is assured even in the absence of pollinators.
Reason (R) is incorrect:
- Cleistogamous flowers do not have exposed anthers and stigma; instead, the reproductive parts are enclosed within the flower, promoting obligate self-pollination.
- Exposed anthers and stigma are a characteristic of chasmogamous flowers (which open and allow cross-pollination).
Final Answer:
Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is not correct.