Question

Which of the following plants is monoecious?

• A. Carica papaya
• B. Chara
• C. Marchantia polymorpha
• D. Cycas circinalis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine which of the given plants is monoecious, we need to understand what monoecious means. In botany, a monoecious plant has both male and female reproductive organs on the same individual plant. This is in contrast to dioecious plants, where male and female organs are found on separate plants.

Let's analyze each option:

1. Carica papaya: This plant is dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. Therefore, it is not monoecious.
2. Chara: Chara is a type of green algae which is monoecious because it has both male (antheridia) and female (oogonia) reproductive structures on the same plant.
3. Marchantia polymorpha: This liverwort is dioecious, with distinct male and female plants. Hence, it is not monoecious.
4. Cycas circinalis: Cycads, including Cycas circinalis, are dioecious with separate male and female plants.

From this analysis, we can conclude that Chara is the only plant among the options provided that is monoecious, as it possesses both male and female reproductive structures on the same plant.