Which of the following features are adaptive for seeds dispersed by wind? 1. Wings 2. Light weight 3. Hairy structures 4. Spiny hooks Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (a). Explanation Seed dispersal is the movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant. Plants have evolved specific morphological adaptations to utilize different agents of dispersal, such as wind (anemochory), water (hydrochory), and animals (zoochory). Statement-wise Analysis - 1. Wings: Correct. Seeds dispersed by wind often develop wing-like membranous appendages (e.g., in Moringa/Drumstick or Maple). These structures increase the surface area, allowing the seed to glide or spin in the air, thereby travelling longer distances. - 2. Light weight: Correct. To be carried by air currents, seeds must be extremely light. Some seeds, such as those of orchids and grasses, are minute and lightweight, enabling them to remain airborne easily. - 3. Hairy structures: Correct. Many wind-dispersed seeds possess hairy outgrowths or persistent hairy calyxes (pappus). These act as parachutes (e.g., in Calotropis, Dandelion, or Cotton), keeping the seeds floating in the air. - 4. Spiny hooks: Incorrect. Spiny hooks, barbs, or stiff hairs (e.g., in Xanthium or Urena) are adaptations for zoochory (dispersal by animals). These structures allow the seeds to cling to the fur of animals or the clothing of humans to be transported to new locations. Key Takeaway Anemochory (wind dispersal) relies on aerodynamic features like wings, hairs (pappus), and light weight. Zoochory (animal dispersal) relies on adhesive features like hooks, barbs, or spines.

NCERT Class 7 Science — Chapter 4: Reproduction in plants

mcqmedium

Which of the following features are adaptive for seeds dispersed by wind?

Wings
Light weight
Hairy structures
Spiny hooks

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2, 3 and 4 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Seed dispersal is the movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant. Plants have evolved specific morphological adaptations to utilize different agents of dispersal, such as wind (anemochory), water (hydrochory), and animals (zoochory).

Statement-wise Analysis

1. Wings: Correct. Seeds dispersed by wind often develop wing-like membranous appendages (e.g., in Moringa/Drumstick or Maple). These structures increase the surface area, allowing the seed to glide or spin in the air, thereby travelling longer distances.
2. Light weight: Correct. To be carried by air currents, seeds must be extremely light. Some seeds, such as those of orchids and grasses, are minute and lightweight, enabling them to remain airborne easily.
3. Hairy structures: Correct. Many wind-dispersed seeds possess hairy outgrowths or persistent hairy calyxes (pappus). These act as parachutes (e.g., in Calotropis, Dandelion, or Cotton), keeping the seeds floating in the air.
4. Spiny hooks: Incorrect. Spiny hooks, barbs, or stiff hairs (e.g., in Xanthium or Urena) are adaptations for zoochory (dispersal by animals). These structures allow the seeds to cling to the fur of animals or the clothing of humans to be transported to new locations.

Key Takeaway

Anemochory (wind dispersal) relies on aerodynamic features like wings, hairs (pappus), and light weight. Zoochory (animal dispersal) relies on adhesive features like hooks, barbs, or spines.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Reproduction in plants

Consider the following statements regarding the sequence of events in the reproduction of a flowering plant: 1. Pollination precedes fertilisation. 2. Seed dispersal occurs before fruit formation. 3. Fertilisation results in the formation of pollen grains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following is a correct match of the plant and its vegetative part used for reproduction?

easy

With reference to the vegetative parts of a plant, consider the following statements: 1. Roots, stems, and leaves are classified as the vegetative parts of a plant. 2. Flowers are considered vegetative parts because they support the growth of the plant. 3. Vegetative propagation allows plants to produce new individuals without the use of seeds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding vegetative propagation in plants: 1. Plants produced by this method take longer to grow compared to those grown from seeds. 2. New plants produced are exact copies of the parent plant. 3. It involves the production of new plants from roots, stems, leaves, or buds. Which of the statements given above are correct?

medium

Consider the following pairs of plants and their mode of vegetative propagation: 1. Rose : Stem cutting 2. Bryophyllum : Leaf buds 3. Sweet Potato : Root 4. Ginger : Stem How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 4: Reproduction in plants

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Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

1. Wings: Correct. Seeds dispersed by wind often develop wing-like membranous appendages (e.g., in Moringa/Drumstick or Maple). These structures increase the surface area, allowing the seed to glide or spin in the air, thereby travelling longer distances.
2. Light weight: Correct. To be carried by air currents, seeds must be extremely light. Some seeds, such as those of orchids and grasses, are minute and lightweight, enabling them to remain airborne easily.
3. Hairy structures: Correct. Many wind-dispersed seeds possess hairy outgrowths or persistent hairy calyxes (pappus). These act as parachutes (e.g., in Calotropis, Dandelion, or Cotton), keeping the seeds floating in the air.
4. Spiny hooks: Incorrect. Spiny hooks, barbs, or stiff hairs (e.g., in Xanthium or Urena) are adaptations for zoochory (dispersal by animals). These structures allow the seeds to cling to the fur of animals or the clothing of humans to be transported to new locations.

Key Takeaway

Anemochory (wind dispersal) relies on aerodynamic features like wings, hairs (pappus), and light weight. Zoochory (animal dispersal) relies on adhesive features like hooks, barbs, or spines.