NEETBotanySexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
Water hyacinth and water lily are common aquatic plants. Which of the following statements correctly describes the pollination mechanism and floral features in these plants?
Options
- AThe pollen grains are protected by a mucilaginous covering and are carried passively by water currents.
- BThe female flowers remain submerged in water and receive long, ribbon-like pollen grains.
- CThe female flowers reach the surface of the water by long stalks and receive pollen carried by water currents.
- DThe flowers emerge above the level of water and are pollinated by insects or wind.
Correct answer
D. The flowers emerge above the level of water and are pollinated by insects or wind.
Step-by-step solution
Although water hyacinth and water lily are aquatic plants, they do not use water as a pollinating agent. According to NCERT, in a majority of aquatic plants such as water hyacinth and water lily, the flowers emerge above the level of water and are pollinated by insects or wind, similar to most land plants. Female flowers reaching the surface to receive pollen via water currents is seen in Vallisneria. Submerged female flowers receiving ribbon-like pollen is characteristic of seagrasses like Zostera. Pollen protecte