Question

The only family showing resupination is
A. Leguminosae
B. Compositae
C. Orchidaceae
D. Malvaceae

Answer 1

Hint: Resupination is a typical morphological condition found in certain flowers. These flowers are widespread and have a vast range of attractive colors and pleasant smell. They are also popularly used as ornamental plants.

Complete answer: A resupinate flower is the one in which the flower stalk does a twist while undergoing development.
1. This brings the bottommost part of the flower towards the top section.
2. One interesting aspect of resupination is that the lip of the flower becomes the lowermost structure whereas the column appears as the uppermost structure.
3. The resupinate flowers are identified by a left-hand 180-degree twist or a right-hand 180-degree twist.
4. The simplest example of resupination is found within the family Orchidaceae.
5. All the species belonging to this family are characterized by the presence of branches containing resupinate flowers.
6. As a matter of fact, resupination is therefore considered as the unique trait of orchids.
7. The S petal within the resupinate forms (which is present in most of the orchids) is the characteristic lip (landing pad or insect imitator) - the petal from which the individuality of orchids is defined.

So, the correct answer is option C. Orchidaceae.

Note: The term resupination is derived from the Latin word ‘resupinus’ which is used to define the condition of being ‘bent back with the face upward'.
This condition is extremely useful in terms of pollinations, as it helps pollen- pollinator interaction to be more effective.