Question: 103 Family Fabaceae differs from Solanaceae and Liliaceae. With respect to the stamens, pick out the characteristics specific to family Fabaceae but not found in Solanaceae or Liliaceae.
(1) Monoadelphous and Monothecous anthers
(2) Epiphyllous and Dithecous anthers
(3) Diadelphous and Dithecous anthers
(4) Polyadelphous and epipetalous stamens
Answer: Option (3)
Explanation:
In family Fabaceae, stamens are typically diadelphous, meaning they are arranged in two bundles, commonly with nine stamens fused and one free.
The anthers in Fabaceae are dithecous, which means each anther has two pollen sacs.
In Solanaceae, stamens are usually epipetalous and free, not diadelphous.
In Liliaceae, stamens are epiphyllous and free, and do not show a diadelphous condition.
Therefore, the combination of diadelphous stamens and dithecous anthers is characteristic of Fabaceae and not found in Solanaceae or Liliaceae.