Identify the correct example of aquatic plant which is pollinated by insect or wind.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Eicchornia
Not all aquatic plants use water for pollination. Water pollination is seen only in a few plants.
(1) Zostera — Incorrect. Zostera is a marine sea-grass. Its flowers stay under water, and its long ribbon-like pollen grains are carried by water.
(2) Eicchornia — Correct. This is water hyacinth. Its flowers rise above the level of the water and are pollinated by insects or wind.
(3) Hydrilla — Incorrect. Hydrilla grows in fresh water and is water-pollinated.
(4) Vallisneria — Incorrect. Vallisneria is also water-pollinated. The female flower reaches the water surface on a long stalk. The male flowers or pollen grains float on the water and reach it.
NCERT Extract:
Pollination – “… Not all aquatic plants use water for pollination. In a majority of aquatic plants such as water hyacinth and water lily, the flowers emerge above the level of water and are pollinated by insects or wind as in most of the land plants.”