Out of the 4 whorls of flower, which of the following are sterile? (a) androecium (b) gynoecium (c) calyx (d) corolla
(1) (a) & (b)
(2) (b) only
(3) Only (c)
(4) (c) & (d)

Options

A. (a) & (b)
B. (b) only
C. Only (c)
D. (c) & (d)

Answer

To determine which of the four whorls of a flower are sterile, we need to understand the roles of each whorl:

1. **Identify the Whorls**:
- The four whorls of a flower from the outermost to the innermost are:
- Calyx (A)
- Corolla (B)
- Androecium (C)
- Gynoecium (D)

2. **Define Sterile and Fertile Whorls**:
- **Sterile Whorls**: These do not produce gametes and are not directly involved in reproduction.
- **Fertile Whorls**: These are involved in the production of gametes (male and female).

3. **Analyze Each Whorl**:
- **Calyx**: This is the outermost whorl, made up of sepals. It protects the flower bud and is considered sterile.
- **Corolla**: This is the second whorl, made up of petals. It attracts pollinators and is also considered sterile.
- **Androecium**: This is the third whorl, consisting of stamens (the male reproductive part). It produces pollen (male gametes), so it is fertile.
- **Gynoecium**: This is the innermost whorl, consisting of carpels (the female reproductive part). It produces ovules (female gametes), so it is also fertile.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The sterile whorls are the **Calyx** and **Corolla** (options C and D).
- Therefore, the correct answer is option (4) (c) & (d).