Question

A particular species of plant produces light, nonsticky pollen in large numbers and its stigmas are long and feathery. These modifications facilitate pollination by

• A. insects
• B. water
• C. wind
• D. animals

Hint:

Wind-pollinated flowers have light, nonsticky pollen and large feathery stigmas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Pollination by wind is called anemophily. Wind-pollinated flowers have special adaptations so that pollen can be easily carried by air and trapped by the stigma.

Step 1: Observe the pollen characters.
The pollen grains are: \[ \text{light} \] \[ \text{nonsticky} \] \[ \text{produced in large numbers} \] These are features of wind-pollinated plants.

Step 2: Observe the stigma characters.
The stigma is: \[ \text{long and feathery} \] A feathery stigma helps in catching pollen grains floating in air.

Step 3: Eliminate other options.
Insect-pollinated flowers usually have sticky pollen, bright petals, scent and nectar. Water-pollinated plants have special floating or water-carried pollen. Animal-pollinated flowers are usually large, attractive and nectar-producing.

Step 4: Final conclusion.
The given features clearly indicate pollination by wind. Hence: \[ \boxed{\text{(C) wind}} \]