Which of the following features are the characteristics of hydrophilous flowers?
(i) Brightly coloured petals
(ii) Pollen grains with long ribbon-like structures
(iii) Production of nectar
(iv) Production of large number of pollen grains

Options

A. (i), (ii)
B. (ii), (iii)
C. (ii), (iv)
D. (i), (iv)

Explanation

To determine the characteristics of hydrophilous flowers, we will analyze each of the given options one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Hydrophilous Flowers**:
- Hydrophilous flowers are those that are adapted to pollination by water. This means that their reproductive structures are designed to facilitate the transfer of pollen through water.

2. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **(i) Brightly coloured petals**:
- Typically, hydrophilous flowers do not have brightly colored petals. This characteristic is more common in flowers that are pollinated by insects (entomophilous) to attract pollinators.
- **Conclusion**: This is NOT a characteristic of hydrophilous flowers.

- **(ii) Pollen grains with long ribbon-like structures**:
- Hydrophilous flowers often have pollen grains that are adapted to float on water, which can include long ribbon-like structures. This adaptation helps in the transportation of pollen through water.
- **Conclusion**: This is a characteristic of hydrophilous flowers.

- **(iii) Production of nectar**:
- Hydrophilous flowers generally do not produce nectar. Nectar is produced to attract pollinators, which is not necessary for water-pollinated flowers.
- **Conclusion**: This is NOT a characteristic of hydrophilous flowers.

- **(iv) Production of large number of pollen grains**:
- To ensure successful pollination in water, hydrophilous flowers produce a large number of pollen grains. This increases the chances of pollen reaching another flower.
- **Conclusion**: This is a characteristic of hydrophilous flowers.

3. **Final Assessment**:
- Based on the analysis, the characteristics of hydrophilous flowers are:
- (ii) Pollen grains with long ribbon-like structures
- (iv) Production of large number of pollen grains

### Conclusion:
The correct characteristics of hydrophilous flowers are:
- (ii) Pollen grains with long ribbon-like structures
- (iv) Production of large number of pollen grains