Question

Study the diagram given below showing the modes of pollination. Answer the questions that follow.

1. The given diagram shows three methods of pollen transfer in plants. Examine them carefully and write the technical terms used for pollen transfer methods ‘1’, ‘2’, and ‘3’.
2. How do the following plants achieve pollination successfully?
   1. Water lily
   2. Vallisneria
3. Write the advantages of pollen transfer in method ‘3’.

Answer 1

1. Pollen transfer methods: 
   • Method 1: Autogamy (self-pollination)
   • Method 2: Geitonogamy (Pollination between flowers of the same plant)
   • Method 3: xenogamy (Cross-pollination between different plants)
2. 
   
   1. Water lily (Nymphaea) - Entomophily (Insect pollination):
      • The insects transfer pollen when visiting flowers for nectar.
      • It is pollinated by insects like beetles and bees.
   2. Vallisneria - Hydrophily (water pollination):
      
      • Male pollen grains or blooms separate and float on the water’s surface.
      • Pollen is transported to the female flowers by water currents.
3. Advantages of pollen transfer in method 3 (Xenogamy - Cross-pollination):
   • Genetic Variation: produces more resilient and resilient offspring.
   • Disease Resistance: Reduces the risk of hereditary diseases.
   • Improved yield: It produces healthier seeds with better survival chances.