(A) P-2-i    Q-3-iv    R-4-ii    S-1-iii

(B) P-3-ii    Q-2-iii    R-4-i    S-1-iv

(C) P-1-iii    Q-3-ii    R-4-iv    S-2-i

(D) P-1-iv    Q-4-i    R-2-iii    S-3-ii

Introduction

Inflorescence refers to the arrangement of flowers on a floral axis. Different plant species show characteristic inflorescence patterns such as umbel, raceme, spike, and compound determinate inflorescence.

In competitive exams like CSIR-NET, GATE, JAM, and CUET-PG, diagram-based matching questions on inflorescence are very common. This article explains how to correctly match the given diagrams (P, Q, R, and S) with their inflorescence type and corresponding plant species.

Correct Answer

✅ Option (B)

P-3-i, Q-2-iii, R-4-ii, S-1-iv

Diagram-Wise Explanation

Diagram P

• Inflorescence Type: Compound determinate (3)

• Plant Species: Pedicularis sp. (i)

• Explanation:
  Diagram P shows a branched inflorescence where the main axis ends in a flower and lateral branches also terminate in flowers. This is characteristic of a compound determinate (cymose) inflorescence, commonly seen in Pedicularis.

Diagram Q

• Inflorescence Type: Raceme (2)

• Plant Species: Epilobium sp. (iii)

• Explanation:
  In a raceme, flowers are pedicellate and arranged in acropetal succession along an elongated axis. Epilobium is a classic example of racemose inflorescence.

Diagram R

• Inflorescence Type: Spike (4)

• Plant Species: Smilacina sp. (ii)

• Explanation:
  A spike is similar to a raceme but flowers are sessile (without pedicel). Diagram R clearly shows sessile flowers attached directly to the axis, as seen in Smilacina.

Diagram S

• Inflorescence Type: Umbel (1)

• Plant Species: Pelargonium sp. (iv)

• Explanation:
  In an umbel, all flower stalks arise from a common point, forming a flat or umbrella-like structure. This pattern is typical of Pelargonium.

Option-Wise Analysis

Option (A)

❌ Incorrect

• Diagram P is not a raceme.

• Diagram S is incorrectly matched with Epilobium.

Option (B)

✅ Correct

• All diagrams are accurately matched with both inflorescence type and plant species.

Option (C)

❌ Incorrect

• Diagram Q is not compound determinate.

• Species associations are incorrect.

Option (D)

❌ Incorrect

• Diagram Q is wrongly identified as spike.

• Diagram S is not compound determinate.

Conclusion

Correct identification of inflorescence types depends on observing:

• Presence or absence of pedicels

• Growth of main axis (determinate or indeterminate)

• Arrangement of flowers

Among all given choices, Option (B) correctly matches all four diagrams with their respective inflorescence types and plant species.

Final Answer

✅ Option (B): P-3-i, Q-2-iii, R-4-ii, S-1-iv