Question

Large, colourful, fragrant flowers with nectar are seen in

• A. Bird pollinated plants
• B. Bat pollinated plants
• C. Wind pollinated plants
• D. Insect pollinated plants

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Correct Answer: Option 4 – Insect pollinated plants 

The question asks which type of plants typically have large, colourful, and fragrant flowers with nectar. These features are classic adaptations seen in insect pollinated plants, also known as entomophilous plants.

Insect pollination is a form of biotic pollination where insects such as bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles transfer pollen from one flower to another. To attract these pollinators, plants develop specific floral characteristics, including:

• Large petals to provide a visible target
• Bright colours (such as blue, yellow, or ultraviolet patterns) to lure insects
• Fragrance to attract pollinators from a distance
• Nectar as a reward to encourage repeated visits

These traits ensure effective pollination, which increases reproductive success and promotes cross-pollination, thus enhancing genetic diversity in plant species.

Explanation of Other Options:

Option 1 – Bird pollinated plants: These plants (ornithophilous) usually have bright red or orange tubular flowers, but they are not fragrant because birds have a poor sense of smell. Nectar is present, but visual cues dominate over scent.

Option 2 – Bat pollinated plants: These flowers are typically dull in colour (often white or cream), large, and produce copious amounts of nectar. They are open at night and have a musty or fruity odour to attract bats.

Option 3 – Wind pollinated plants: These are generally inconspicuous, small, and lack colour, fragrance, or nectar. They produce lightweight, dry pollen in large quantities and have feathery stigmas to capture airborne pollen.

Conclusion: Large, colourful, and fragrant flowers with nectar are hallmark features of insect-pollinated plants. These adaptations are crucial for attracting pollinators and ensuring successful pollination, which is a vital topic in plant reproductive biology, especially for NEET and other competitive biology exams.