Given below are two statement: One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Both wind and water pollinated flowers are not very colourful and do not produce nectar.
Reason (R): The flowers produce enormous amount of pollen grains in wind and water pollinated flowers.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is Both A and R are true and R is NOT the correct explanation of A.

Concept:

• Wind and water pollination are abiotic modes of pollination where pollen grains are transferred without the involvement of animals or insects. Wind and water serve as agents for transferring pollen from one flower to another.
• Flowers pollinated by wind and water usually have specific adaptations to suit these modes of pollination. They are generally not colourful and do not produce nectar as they do not need to attract pollinators like insects or animals.

Characteristics of Wind Pollination:

• Light and Non-Sticky Pollen Grains: Necessary for easy transportation by wind currents.
• Well-Exposed Stamens: To ensure pollen is easily dispersed into the wind.
• Large, Often-Feathery Stigmas: To maximize the capture of airborne pollen grains.
• Single Ovule in Each Ovary.
• Numerous Flowers Packed into an Inflorescence: Example is the corn cob with its tassels.
• Wind pollination is common among grasses.

Characteristics of Water Pollination:

• Pollen grains in many such species are long, ribbon like and they are carried passively inside the water; some of them reach the stigma and achieve pollination.
• Pollen grains are protected from wetting by a mucilaginous covering.
• Rarity in Flowering Plants: Limited to about 30 genera, mostly monocotyledons.
• The regular mode of transport for male gametes in lower plant groups like algae, bryophytes, and pteridophytes.
• Dependency on Water for Fertilization: Limits distribution of some bryophytes and pteridophytes.

Explanation:

• Assertion (A): The statement that both wind and water pollinated flowers are not very colourful and do not produce nectar is true. This is because these flowers do not rely on attracting pollinators through visual or olfactory cues like colours or scents. Instead, they depend on the abiotic agents (wind or water) for pollination.
• Reason (R): The statement that these flowers produce enormous amounts of pollen grains is also true. This is an adaptation to compensate for the inefficiency of abiotic pollination modes, as a significant portion of pollen may be lost or fail to reach the target flower.

While it is true that wind and water-pollinated flowers are generally not very colorful and do not produce nectar (as they don't need to attract animal pollinators), the statement that flowers produce enormous amounts of pollen grains helps explain the strategies these plants use to ensure successful pollination. However, it doesn't directly explain why they are not very colorful and do not produce nectar.