The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a pistil. Plants use two types of agents to achieve this: abiotic (wind and water) and biotic (animals).
Statement 1 is Correct.
Pollination by wind is the most common form of abiotic pollination. To facilitate transport by wind currents, pollen grains must be light and non-sticky (dry). This ensures they can be easily carried over distances without clumping. Additionally, wind-pollinated flowers often possess well-exposed stamens to easily disperse pollen into wind currents.
Statement 2 is Incorrect.
Insects are the dominant biotic agents of pollination. The majority of flowering plants use a range of animals as pollinating agents, with bees, butterflies, flies, beetles, wasps, ants, and moths being common examples. Flowers pollinated by insects are typically large, colourful, fragrant, and rich in nectar to attract these agents. The insects visit flowers for these rewards and, in the process, carry pollen on their bodies.
Statement 3 is Correct.
Water acts as a pollinating agent for a small number of flowering plants, primarily monocotyledons. Examples include Vallisneria and Hydrilla (freshwater) and Zostera (marine seagrasses). In these plants, pollen grains are often protected from wetting by a mucilaginous covering and are transported by water currents to the stigma.
Key Takeaway:
Wind pollination requires light, dry pollen and exposed stamens. Insect pollination relies on colourful, nectar-rich flowers with sticky pollen. Water pollination is rare and restricted mostly to specific aquatic genera.