Q.58 Which of the following Gymnosperms possess winged pollen grains?
1. Dandelion
2. Cycas
3. Pinus
4. Ephedra
Gymnosperms with Winged Pollen Grains: Pinus Confirmed
Pinus, a conifer gymnosperm, produces distinctive winged pollen grains adapted for wind pollination. This feature sets it apart in the given options for effective anemophilous dispersal.
Correct Answer
3. Pinus
Pinus pollen grains feature two air-filled sacci (bladder-like wings) on the exine, enhancing buoyancy and long-distance travel via wind, a hallmark of Pinaceae conifers.
Option Explanations
| Option | Plant Name | Gymnosperm Status | Winged Pollen? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dandelion | Angiosperm (Asteraceae) | No | Flowering herb with plumed seeds, not gymnosperm; pollen lacks wings, relies on wind but without sacci. |
| 2 | Cycas | Gymnosperm (Cycadopsida) | No | Produces multiflagellated, non-winged sperm; pollen boat-shaped but wingless, siphonogamous fertilization. |
| 3 | Pinus | Gymnosperm (Coniferopsida) | Yes | Bisaccate pollen with lateral wings for anemophily; produced in microsporangia, key for conifer reproduction. |
| 4 | Ephedra | Gymnosperm (Gnetopsida) | No | Pollen elongate, inaperturate with reduced or absent sacs; no true wings, differs from conifer types. |
Pollen Adaptation Insight
Winged pollen in gymnosperms like Pinus aids wind dispersal over vast areas, contrasting non-winged forms in Cycas or Ephedra; this evolutionary trait boosts reproductive success in open habitats.
