Question

A perennial shrub has compound leaves and solitary zygomorphic and eponymous flowers. Each flower reveals a dichlamydeous condition with many stamens and multiple fruits with exalbuminous seeds. What is the ratio of advanced and primitive characters in it?
A. 1:2
B. 2:3
C. 1:1
D. 2:1

Answer 1

Hint: In angiosperms plants, they virtually show a mixture of characters which are both referred to as primitive characters which are also known as ancestral characters and most advanced characters which are known as botanical characters. These characters are used or defined in angiosperms to trace the evolution of species or evolutionary links.

Complete Answer:
In the given question we are asked the ratio of advanced and primitive features. First, we need to distinguish these characters and find out the ratio in the given question.

In the above-given statement, primitive characters are:
- Perennial
- With many stamens
- Solitary flowers
Total of 3 primitive features is mentioned in the above statement. Primitive traits or characters are those which are descended from ancestors. They are most likely simple characters of plants.

In the above-mentioned statement, the most advanced botanical features are:
- Compound leaves
- Dichlamydeous condition
- Epigynous flowers
- Multiple fruits
- Zygomorphic flowers
- Exalbuminous seeds
Thereby a total of 6 advanced features characters are given in the statement.
So, the ratio of advanced to primitive characters of the plant given in the above statement is 6:3 which reduces to 2:1.

So, the correct answer to this question is the option"D" because a total of 6 advanced and 3 primitive characters are seen which on a ratio basis gives a ratio of 2:1.

Note: Angiosperms are a very large group of plants in which their seeds are found inside the flower. The seeds develop within the plant organs and lead to the formation of fruits. That's why these plants are known as flowering plants. The angiosperms form the largest group of plants on earth. They are large vascular plants having seeds in them.