Question

Which of the following statements are true?

1. Rice is pollinated by wind
2. Water lily is pollinated by water
3. Vallisneria is pollinated by water

• A. only (ii)
• B. only (i) and (ii)
• C. only (i) and (iii)
• D. all (i), (ii) and (iii)

Answer 1

Answer:

C. only (i) and (iii)

• Anemophily (Wind Pollination): This is the process where pollen grains are transferred via air currents. Rice (Oryza sativa), along with many other grasses, wheat, and maize, relies on wind pollination. These plants typically produce massive amounts of lightweight, non-sticky pollen to increase the chances of successful fertilization.

• Hydrophily (Water Pollination): This is a rare form of pollination occurring in aquatic plants. Vallisneria is a classic example of hydrophily, specifically epihydrophily, where the female flower reaches the surface of the water, and male flowers are released to float and drift until they contact the female stigma.

• Common Misconception regarding Aquatic Plants: It is a frequent error to assume all aquatic plants are water-pollinated. The Water Lily (Nymphaea) is an aquatic plant, but it is not pollinated by water. Instead, its flowers emerge above the water surface and are primarily pollinated by insects (entomophily) such as bees and beetles. Similarly, water hyacinth is also insect-pollinated.