Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

Question:

Flowers that possess a single ovule in the ovary and are clustered together in an inflorescence are commonly pollinated by which of the following agent?

Options:

Bee

Water

Wind

Elephant

Correct Answer:

Wind

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3)- Wind

Wind pollination is a type of pollination mechanism where pollination occurs through the action of wind currents. It is more common among abiotic pollinations, which means that it does not involve the assistance of living organisms such as insects or animals. Wind-pollinated plants have certain adaptations to facilitate successful pollination.

One important requirement for wind pollination is that the pollen grains need to be light and non-sticky. This allows them to be easily carried by air currents over long distances. Unlike sticky and heavy pollen grains that rely on insects or animals for transport, wind-pollinated plants produce lightweight and dry pollen grains that can be easily dispersed by wind.

Wind-pollinated flowers often have well-exposed stamens. The stamens are the male reproductive organs of the flower, and their exposure increases the chances of pollen being released into the wind currents. The flowers also have large and often feathery stigma, which is the receptive part of the female reproductive organ. The feathery structure helps to trap air-borne pollen grains effectively.

Additionally, wind-pollinated flowers typically have a single ovule in each ovary. The ovule is the structure within the ovary that develops into a seed after fertilization. 

Many wind-pollinated plants have flowers packed into inflorescences, which are clusters or groups of flowers. This arrangement increases the chances of successful pollination as more flowers are exposed to wind currents, increasing the likelihood of pollen transfer between flowers.

A classic example of wind-pollinated plants is grasses. Their inflorescences, such as those seen in corn cobs, consist of numerous flowers tightly packed together. The tassels, which are the male parts of the flower, produce large quantities of lightweight pollen that is easily carried by the wind. The stigma and style, the female parts of the flower, are often elongated and wave in the wind to capture the airborne pollen grains.