Question

The symmetry in which a flower can be divided into two equal and similar halves by only one vertical division is

• A. Actinomorphic
• B. Polymorphic
• C. Metamorphic
• D. Zygomorphic

Hint:

Associate \textbf{Actino}morphic with "acting" like a star or a wheel (radial symmetry) and \textbf{Zygo}morphic with "zygote" or pairing (bilateral symmetry). Zygomorphic flowers have a distinct top and bottom, or left and right, like a human face.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Concept Overview:
Floral symmetry describes the arrangement of flower parts around its center, a key feature in plant classification. The question asks for the term for bilateral symmetry.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's define floral symmetry terms:


Actinomorphic: Also known as radial symmetry. Actinomorphic flowers can be divided into two equal halves by multiple vertical planes through the center (e.g., mustard, datura, chilli).

Zygomorphic: Also known as bilateral symmetry. Zygomorphic flowers can be divided into two similar halves by only one vertical plane (e.g., pea, gulmohar, bean, cassia). This matches the question's description.

Polymorphic and Metamorphic are not used to describe floral symmetry.

Step 3: Conclusion:
The symmetry where a flower has two equal halves along only one vertical plane is called zygomorphic symmetry.