Answer: Anemophily (wind pollination).
- A Hydrophily, pollination carried by water
- B Anemophily (wind pollination)
- C Entomophily, pollination carried by insects
- D Self-pollination occurring only within a single cone
Correct answer: B. Anemophily (wind pollination)
Explanation: Gymnosperms are primarily wind-pollinated (anemophily). They produce large amounts of light, dry pollen that is carried by wind to female cones.
Plants evolved from water-dependent algae through increasingly land-adapted groups, gaining vascular tissue (Pteridophyta), then seeds (Gymnosperms), and finally fruit-enclosed seeds (Angiosperms) - each step reducing dependence on water for reproduction.
Concept context
Classification of plants from algae to angiosperms. Understanding plant diversity is essential for NEET.