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

The correct answer is Option (4) → Only III

Pollen grains can reach the stigma by wind, water or animals. Water is a common carrier of male gametes in lower plants, but it is a rare agent of pollination in flowering plants.

I. Water pollination is uncommon in flowering plants and is predominantly observed in approximately 50 genera, primarily belonging to monocotyledons. — False. Pollination by water is rare, and it is seen mostly in monocotyledons. But the number is wrong. The book says it is limited to about 30 genera, not 50.

II. Water serves as a common medium for the transportation of male gametes in higher plant groups. — False. Water is a regular carrier of male gametes in the lower plant groups, such as algae, bryophytes and pteridophytes. Flowering plants are higher plants, and in them water pollination is rare.

III. Bryophytes and pteridophytes have limited distribution due to their dependence on water for male gamete transport and fertilisation. — True. The male gametes of these plants need water to swim to the egg. So these plants can grow only where water is available, and their distribution is limited.

NCERT Extract:
Pollination – “… Pollination by water is quite rare in flowering plants and is limited to about 30 genera, mostly monocotyledons. As against this, you would recall that water is a regular mode of transport for the male gametes among the lower plant groups such as algae, bryophytes and pteridophytes. It is believed, particularly for some bryophytes and pteridophytes, that their distribution is limited because of the need for water for the transport of male gametes and fertilisation.”