Long silky hairs coming out of the cob of maize are

Options

A. Meant for fruit dispersal
B. Long styles and stigma
C. Meant for attracting insects
D. Lodicules

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Structure**: The long silky hairs coming out of the cob of maize are known as styles and stigmas of the female flowers.

2. **Understand the Plant's Reproductive System**: Maize (Zea mays) is a monoecious plant, meaning it has both male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers are located at the top of the plant and are called tassels, while the female flowers form the cobs or ears.

3. **Function of the Silky Hairs**: The long silky hairs are modifications of the styles and stigmas of the carpels in the female flowers. Their primary function is to capture wind-borne pollen grains during the pollination process.

4. **Pollination Mechanism**: Maize relies on anemophily, which is pollination by wind. The long silky hairs increase the surface area to better capture pollen grains carried by the wind, ensuring successful fertilization.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the long silky hairs coming out of the cob of maize are primarily for capturing pollen, which is essential for the plant's reproduction.

**Final Answer**: The long silky hairs coming out of the cob of maize are modifications of the style and stigma of the female flowers, designed to capture wind-borne pollen.

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