CBSE · Class 12 · Biology · Sexual Reproduction in Flowering PlantsDifferentiate between chasmogamous flowers and cleistogamous flowers with examples. Give two distinct advantages of cleistogamous flowers.

Chasmogamous flowers are open flowers in which the anthers and stigma are exposed to the external environment, allowing both cross-pollination and self-pollination. Examples include Hibiscus and Rosa. In contrast, cleistogamous flowers are closed flowers that never open at all; their anthers and stigma lie close to each other, ensuring absolute self-pollination when anthers dehisce in the bud condition. Examples include Viola, Commelina, and Oxalis. \nAdvantages of cleistogamous flowers:

1. Assurance of Seed Set: Even in the absence of pollinators, seed set is guaranteed because self-pollination is invariably successful due to the closed nature of the flower.
2. Conservation of Energy: The plant does not need to expend energy on producing attractive floral parts, nectar, or heavy fragrances to attract insect pollinators, thereby conserving resources.