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Question 89 of 99

Q.A plant called 'X' possesses small flower with reduced perianth and versatile anther. The probable agent for pollination would be :

(a) butterfly
(b) water
(c) beetles
(d) air
Puducherry TnboardTamil Nadu HSC (DGE) Board 2025MCQ· 1mImportance★★★★★
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Reduced perianth + versatile (freely swinging) anther is the signature floral adaptation for wind (anemophilous) pollination.

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Pollination agents leave a distinctive fingerprint on floral structure:

  • Anemophily (wind pollination): flowers are small, dull-coloured, without scent or nectar (perianth reduced or absent, since there is no need to advertise to an animal visitor); anthers are often versatile, hanging loosely on slender, flexible filaments so that even a light breeze makes them swing and shake pollen out; the pollen produced is light, dry, and abundant; stigmas are often large, feathery, and exserted to trap airborne pollen. Grasses (Poaceae) are the textbook example.
  • Entomophily (insect pollination, e.g. by butterflies or beetles): flowers are typically large, brightly coloured, scented, and often nectar-producing, to attract the specific insect. …

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