Question

Select the correct option.

Statement 1: Wind pollinated flowers need to produce more quantities of pollen grains.
Statement 2: Seeds from cross-pollinated flowers produce weaker and less healthy plants.

• A. Both statements 1 and 2 are true and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
• B. Both statements 1 and 2 are true but statement 2 is not the correct explanation of statement 1.
• C. Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false.
• D. Both statements 1 and 2 are false.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Statement 1 is true but statement 2 is false.

• Wind-pollinated flowers need to produce great quantities of pollen to be sure that at least some pollen grains will reach the stigmas of other flowers.
• These flowers are often small and inconspicuous since they do not need to attract insects.
• They do not produce nectar and they do not have any scent. Most trees and grasses have wind-pollinated flowers.
• Cross-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another flower. Self-pollination occurs when the pollen from the anther of a flower is transferred to the stigma of the same flower.
• Cross-pollination is better than self-pollination.
• When flowers are cross-pollinated their seeds germinate into strong, healthy plants. Seeds from self-pollinated flowers produce weaker, less healthy plants.