Consider the following statements and identify the correct one(s):

I. Water pollination is uncommon in flowering plants and is predominantly observed in approximately 50 genera, primarily belonging to monocotyledons.

II. Water serves as a common medium for the transportation of male gametes in higher plant groups.

III. Bryophytes and pteridophytes have limited distribution due to their dependence on water for male gamete transport and fertilization.

Only III

The correct answer is Option (4) – Only III

Water pollination is rare in flowering plants and is primarily observed in about 30 genera, mostly monocotyledons.

• Lower plant groups such as algae, bryophytes, and pteridophytes rely on water for the transport of male gametes.
• Some bryophytes and pteridophytes have limited distribution due to their dependence on water for male gamete transport and fertilization.
• Examples of water-pollinated plants include Vallisneria, Hydrilla, and marine sea grasses like Zostera.
• Not all aquatic plants use water for pollination; many, such as water hyacinths and water lily, are pollinated by insects or wind.
• In Vallisneria, female flowers emerge above the water surface, while male flowers release pollen grains onto the water's surface to be carried passively by water currents.
• In seagrasses, female flowers remain submerged, and pollen grains are released into the water. These pollen grains are often long and ribbon-like, and they are carried passively by water until they reach the stigma for pollination.
• Water-pollinated species often have a mucilaginous covering on their pollen grains to protect them from wetting.