Protandry and protogny help in

Options

A. Quick fertilization
B. Self fertilization
C. Cross fertilization
D. Delayed fertilization

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Protandry and Protogyny:**
- Protandry is a reproductive strategy where the male reproductive organs (anthers) mature before the female reproductive organs (pistils). This means that the pollen is released before the stigma is ready to receive it.
- Protogyny, on the other hand, is when the female reproductive organs (pistils) mature before the male reproductive organs (anthers). In this case, the stigma is receptive before the pollen is released.

2. **Purpose of Protandry and Protogyny:**
- Both protandry and protogyny serve to prevent self-fertilization. By having the male and female parts mature at different times, these mechanisms encourage cross-fertilization, which promotes genetic diversity.

3. **Analyzing the Options:**
- **Option 1: Quick fertilization** - This is incorrect because protandry and protogyny do not lead to quick fertilization; they actually create a delay in self-fertilization.
- **Option 2: Self-fertilization** - This is also incorrect, as both processes are designed to prevent self-fertilization.
- **Option 3: Cross fertilization** - This is correct. By ensuring that the male and female parts mature at different times, these processes facilitate cross-fertilization between different plants.
- **Option 4: Delayed fertilization** - This is incorrect as well, since the focus is on promoting cross-fertilization rather than delaying it.

4. **Conclusion:**
- The correct answer is **Option 3: Cross fertilization**. Protandry and protogyny help in promoting cross-fertilization by preventing self-fertilization.