Geitonogamy is functionally__________& genetically__________.
(a) Autogamy, allogamy
(b) Allogamy, autogamy
(c) Allogamy, xenogamy
(d) Autogamy, autogamy

Options

A. Autogamy, allogamy
B. Allogamy, autogamy
C. Allogamy, xenogamy
D. Autogamy, autogamy

Answer

To solve the question regarding geitonogamy, we need to understand its functional and genetic characteristics.

1. **Understanding Geitonogamy**:
- Geitonogamy refers to the transfer of pollen from one flower to another flower on the same plant.
- This means that while the pollen is coming from a different flower, it is still originating from the same individual plant.

2. **Functional Aspect**:
- Functionally, geitonogamy resembles cross-pollination (allogamy) because it involves the transfer of pollen between different flowers.
- However, since both flowers are on the same plant, it does not involve different genetic individuals.

3. **Genetic Aspect**:
- Genetically, geitonogamy is similar to self-pollination (autogamy) because the pollen comes from the same genetic source (the same plant).
- Therefore, the genetic outcome is akin to self-fertilization.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the above analysis, we can conclude that geitonogamy is functionally similar to allogamy (cross-pollination) but genetically similar to autogamy (self-pollination).

Thus, the correct answer is:
(b) Allogamy, autogamy