How do most flowering plants avoid self-fertilization?

• A. By developing mechanisms such as self-incompatibility
• B. By relying solely on wind pollination
• C. By producing only male flowers
• D. By flowering only at night

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of self-fertilization: Self-fertilization occurs when a plant's pollen fertilizes its own ovules, leading to reduced genetic diversity.
2. Learn about self-incompatibility: This is a genetic mechanism that prevents self-fertilization by rejecting pollen from the same plant or genetically similar plants.
3. Explore other mechanisms: Some plants produce only male or female flowers, or have temporal separation of male and female flower maturation to avoid self-fertilization.
4. Consider environmental factors: Some plants rely on external factors like wind or animal pollinators to transfer pollen, reducing the chance of self-fertilization.
5. Examine flowering patterns: Some plants may flower at specific times, such as at night, to attract specific pollinators and avoid self-fertilization.