Question

Pollination by wind is called as
(a) Geitonogamy
(b) Anemophily
(c) Autogamy
(d) Malacophily

Answer 1

Hint Pollination is the process of transfer of pollen grains from the anther to stigma, it takes place by both biotic and abiotic factors. The biotic and abiotic factor is common in the case of cross-pollination in which transfer of pollen takes place between the flowers of a genetically different plant.

Complete Answer:
Pollination by wind is called Anemophily. Wind pollination is a mode of cross-pollination in which air current transfers pollen grains from the dehiscing anther to different places by which the receptive stigma takes compatible floating pollen by air. The anemophilous flower is small and packed in inflorescence which is colourless, nectarless and odourless. The pollen grain is small, smooth, non-sticky and light which consist of air sacs or wings whereas stigma is hairy, feathery or branched which help to capture the pollen grains.

Additional information:
Anemophily and hydrophily both are the abiotic agents of pollination. Hydrophily take place in water which is common in aquatic plants. Hydrophilous flowers are small, light, nectarless and odourless with the unwettable perianth. Pollen grains are surrounded by mucilage covering which protects pollen grain from water. Stigma is also unwettable, long and sticky. Pollination below the surface of the water is called as hypohydrophily whereas pollination on the surface of the water is called epihydrophily.
Some aquatic plants do not show hydrophily, the flowers of these plants emerge from water and pollination takes place by wind and insects because water is not a good medium for transport of pollen grains.

So, the correct answer is Anemophily.

Note: Anemophily is a wasteful process because it is non-directional and the rate of successful pollination is also low.
In the case of Urtica anther burst suddenly by projecting out pollen grains in the air which is also known as gunpowder mechanism.