Anemophily or wind pollination is a form of pollination whereby pollen is distributed by wind. Almost all gymnosperms are anemophilous, as are many plants in the order Poales, including grasses, sedges and rushes.

The mode of pollination in gymnosperms is Anemophily' (Pollination by wind). Note:Although gymnosperms undergo wind pollination, cycads, unlike wind-pollinated conifers and Ginkgo, as they are ancient groups of gymnosperms pollinated by insects.Gymnosperms are spore bearing vascular plants. Hence, their mode of reproduction involves the microspore or the male gametes and the megasporophyll. The fertilization involves the movement and dispersal of male gametes through wind (anemophilous).

Pollination in Gymnosperms

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the male reproductive organ (stamen) to the female reproductive organ (pistil) in plants. Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that do not have flowers or fruits. Instead, they produce naked seeds that are exposed on the surface of specialized structures known as cones.

Mode of Pollination

Gymnosperms exhibit different modes of pollination, including anemophily, entomophily, and hydrophily. However, the most common and predominant mode of pollination in gymnosperms is anemophily, which refers to pollination by wind.

Anemophily

Anemophilous plants have evolved various adaptations to facilitate wind pollination. These adaptations include:

1. Production of large amounts of lightweight pollen: Gymnosperms produce abundant pollen grains that are very light in weight. These small and dry grains are easily carried by air currents over long distances.

2. Presence of specialized structures: Gymnosperms possess structures that enhance pollen dispersal. Male cones, also known as pollen cones, produce and release large quantities of pollen grains into the air. Female cones, or seed cones, have exposed ovules that receive pollen grains.

3. Lack of attractive structures: Unlike flowering plants, gymnosperms lack showy petals, nectar, or fragrances to attract pollinators. Their pollen grains are released directly into the wind, relying on chance encounters with female cones.

4. Longevity of pollen grains: Gymnosperm pollen grains are well adapted to survive in dry and windy conditions. They have a tough outer coat that protects them from desiccation and enables them to remain viable for extended periods of time.

Other Modes of Pollination

While anemophily is the most common mode of pollination in gymnosperms, some species may also exhibit entomophily (pollination by insects) or hydrophily (pollination by water). However, these modes are relatively rare in gymnosperms compared to flowering plants.

Entomophilous gymnosperms are typically those that produce attractive structures such as colorful cones or emit odors to attract insects. Hydrophilous gymnosperms, on the other hand, release their pollen grains into water bodies, where they are transported to female cones.

Conclusion

In summary, the mode of pollination in gymnosperms is primarily anemophily, which involves the wind as the primary agent for pollen transfer. While some gymnosperms may also utilize entomophily or hydrophily, these modes are less common in this plant group.