Question

Give four adaptations shown by flowers pollinated by wind.

Answer 1

Adaptation for wind-pollination or anemophily :

(i) Flowers small inconspicuous.
(ii) Calyx, corolla reduced or absent.
(iii) Flowers colourless, nectarless or odourless.
(iv) Flowers produced above and before the foliage, in case of unisexual flowers, male flowers are abundant to compensate for the loss and to ensure the pollination.
(v) Stamens and stigma (feathery) exserted and well exposed.
(vi) Pollen grains, light, small, dusty, non-sticky or winged (Pinus).
(vii) Pollen grains dry and unwettable, e.g., maize, grasses, Urtica.
(viii) The number of ovules very less, often single. (any four points)