2002 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies

Question 100: Science and Technology

In a bisexual flower, if androecium and gynaecium mature at different times, the phenomenon is known as

aDichogamy
bHerkogamy
cHeterogamy
dMonogamy

AnswerThe answer is (a).

Dichogamy is the maturing of the stamens and the pistil of a bisexual flower at different times, which prevents self-pollination. It is of two kinds: protandry, when the anthers mature first, and protogyny, when the stigma matures first. Herkogamy is a physical barrier between anthers and stigma, while monogamy is a mating pattern and not a floral term.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Right: dichogamy.
  • (b) Herkogamy is a physical barrier between anthers and stigma.
  • (c) Heterogamy is not the term for staggered maturing.
  • (d) Monogamy is a mating pattern, not a floral term.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.