The given characteristics of some flowers include:
I. Small size and often clustered in inflorescences.
II. Lack of color, nectar, and scent.
III. Exposed stamens.
IV. Abundant production of light and non-sticky pollen grains.
V. Presence of a single ovule in each ovary.
VI. Large stigma, often feathery in appearance.
These features are indicative of:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) - Anemophily (pollination by wind)
Wind pollination is a common form of abiotic pollination.
- It requires light and non-sticky pollen grains that can be carried by wind currents.
- Wind-pollinated flowers typically have well-exposed stamens, allowing easy dispersal of pollen into the air.
- They often have large, feathery stigmas that are designed to efficiently capture airborne pollen grains.
- Wind-pollinated flowers typically have a single ovule in each ovary.
- Many wind-pollinated flowers are densely packed into inflorescences.
- A familiar example of wind pollination is observed in corn, where the tassels represent the stigma and style that wave in the wind to trap pollen grains.
- Grasses are a common example of plants that rely on wind pollination.