Question

Given below is a flower with its characteristic features specialised for the most common type of abiotic pollination.

Answer the following questions based on the above diagram:
(a) Name the mode of abiotic pollination that will be adopted by the given plant species in the above picture.
(b) State the need of exposed large feathery stigmas for the flower.
(c) What will be the two important adaptations in the pollen grains of the flowers pollinated by the above mode of pollination?
(d)What could be the probable reason for the petals being small and non-green?

Hint:

Wind-pollinated flowers are usually small, inconspicuous, produce enormous quantities of pollen, and have large feathery stigmas. They do not rely on color, scent, or nectar to attract pollinators.

Answer 1

(a) The mode of abiotic pollination depicted is anemophily (pollination by wind). 
(b) Exposed large feathery stigmas are needed to effectively trap airborne pollen grains from the environment, increasing the chances of successful pollination. 
(c) The two important adaptations of pollen grains for wind pollination are:

• Pollen grains are lightweight and non-sticky, so they can be easily carried by wind.
• Pollen is produced in large quantities to compensate for the randomness and inefficiency of wind dispersal.

(d) The petals are small and non-green because they do not need to attract pollinators (like insects or animals), as the plant relies on wind rather than biotic agents for pollination.