What happens to a FlexClone volume if the Snapshot copy it was created from is deleted?

• A. The clone immediately becomes invalid and is deleted automatically.
• B. The clone continues to function independently because ONTAP maintains block references internally.
• C. The clone is converted to a read-only volume.
• D. The clone cannot be detached from the parent until a new Snapshot is created.

Answer: (B)

FlexClone volumes are writable clones that share data blocks with their source using copy-on-write. When a Snapshot used to create a clone is deleted, ONTAP keeps the necessary data blocks referenced by the clone and its own metadata, so the clone continues to function independently. It remains writable and usable, not automatically deleted, converted to read-only, or tied to needing a new Snapshot to stay operational.