Question

Which of the following is an example of an outbreeding device in plants?

• A. Cleistogamy.
• B. Autogamy.
• C. Xenogamy.
• D. Geitonogamy.

Hint:

Outbreeding devices like xenogamy enhance genetic diversity by promoting cross-pollination between different plants, ensuring adaptability and survival in changing environments.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding outbreeding devices.
Outbreeding devices in plants promote cross-pollination and genetic diversity by preventing self-pollination. They ensure that pollen from one flower fertilizes the ovule of another flower, typically from a different plant. Step 2: Xenogamy as an outbreeding device.
Xenogamy refers to cross-pollination between flowers of different plants. This process promotes genetic recombination and variation, which are crucial for adaptation and survival in changing environments. Step 3: Explanation of other options.
Option (A): Cleistogamy. Incorrect. Cleistogamy involves self-pollination within closed flowers, which reduces genetic diversity. Option (B): Autogamy. Incorrect. Autogamy is self-pollination within the same flower, which does not promote outbreeding. Option (D): Geitonogamy. Incorrect. Geitonogamy involves pollination between flowers of the same plant, which does not promote true genetic recombination. Step 4: Conclusion.
Among the given options, only xenogamy represents an outbreeding device, as it involves cross-pollination between different plants. \[ \therefore \text{The correct answer is: Xenogamy.} \]