Sexual Reproduction In Flowering Plants
Wind-pollinated grasses typically produce enormous quantities of pollen compared with insect-pollinated species growing in the same habitat.
Select the correct option:
Solution
To offset heavy loss during random air transport
Pollination strategies are shaped by the agent that carries pollen, as explained in NCERT Class 12, Chapter 2 (Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants). Wind, or anemophily, is a non-directional and wasteful carrier, so most pollen released into the air never lands on a compatible stigma. To compensate for this large wastage, wind-pollinated plants such as grasses produce pollen in extremely large quantities, raising the probability that at least some grains reach the female parts. The claim that their pollen is heavy is incorrect, because wind-dispersed pollen is in fact light and often non-sticky to remain airborne. Attracting insects is wrong because wind-pollinated flowers are usually small, dull and lack nectar, since they do not depend on animal visitors. Small dry stigmas do occur but feathery, exposed stigmas catch airborne pollen, so this option does not explain pollen abundance. A reasoning check confirms the answer: a random, lossy transport mechanism logically demands overproduction to ensure successful pollination.
🔒 Solution Hidden from View
Submit your answer to unlock the detailed step-by-step solution.
More sexual reproduction in flowering plants Practice Questions
Following double fertilization in an angiosperm ovule, which chromosomal status correctly describes ...
Following double fertilization in an angiosperm ovule, which chromosomal status correctly describes ...
A plant breeder wishing to prevent self-pollination removes the anthers from a bisexual flower befor...
A plant breeder wishing to prevent self-pollination removes the anthers from a bisexual flower befor...
In certain Citrus and mango varieties, seeds are observed to give rise to several seedlings that are...
In certain Citrus and mango varieties, seeds are observed to give rise to several seedlings that are...
During the development of a mature anther, the innermost wall layer that nourishes the developing po...
During the development of a mature anther, the innermost wall layer that nourishes the developing po...
If a single megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to form a typical embryo sac, how many functiona...
If a single megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis to form a typical embryo sac, how many functiona...
About This Question
- Subject
- biology
- Chapter
- reproduction
- Topic
- sexual reproduction in flowering plants
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
To offset heavy loss during random air transport
Pollination strategies are shaped by the agent that carries pollen, as explained in NCERT Class 12, Chapter 2 (Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants). Wind, or anemophily, is a non-directional and wasteful carrier, so most pollen released into the air never lands on a compatible stigma. To compensate for this large wastage, wind-pollinated plants such as grasses produce pollen in extremely large quantities, raising the probability that at least some grains reach the female parts. The claim that their pollen is heavy is incorrect, because wind-dispersed pollen is in fact light and often non-sticky to remain airborne. Attracting insects is wrong because wind-pollinated flowers are usually small, dull and lack nectar, since they do not depend on animal visitors. Small dry stigmas do occur but feathery, exposed stigmas catch airborne pollen, so this option does not explain pollen abundance. A reasoning check confirms the answer: a random, lossy transport mechanism logically demands overproduction to ensure successful pollination.
This medium difficulty biology question is from the chapter reproduction, covering the topic of sexual reproduction in flowering plants. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
Looking for more practice? Explore all biology questions or browse reproduction questions on RankGuru.