Among Plants Known as Legumes (Beans, Peas, Alfalfa, Clover, for Example)

Among plants known as legumes (beans, peas, alfalfa, clover, for example) the seeds are contained in a fruit that is itself called a legume, better known as a pod. Upon opening such pods, it is commonly observed that some ovules have become mature seeds, whereas other ovules have not. Thus, which of the following statements is/are likely accurate?

A) The flowers that gave rise to such pods were not pollinated, and fruit can develop even if all ovules within have not been fertilized.
B) Pollen tubes did not enter all of the ovules in such pods, and the ovules that failed to develop into seeds were derived from sterile floral parts.
C) Pollen tubes did not enter all of the ovules in such pods, and fruit can develop even if all ovules within have not been fertilized.
D) There was apparently not enough endosperm to distribute to all of the ovules in such pods, and fruit can develop even if all ovules within have not been fertilized.

Correct Answer:

Verified

Show Answer