Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to identify the option that lists a pair of plants that both utilize water as their primary physical agent for pollination (hydrophily).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Pollination by water, or hydrophily, is a rare adaptation in flowering plants, occurring in only about 30 genera, mostly monocotyledonous aquatic species. It is important to note that not all aquatic plants are pollinated by water.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the pollination mechanisms of the aquatic plants listed in the options:
Vallisneria and Hydrilla (Option A): Both are submerged freshwater macrophyte species that rely entirely on water currents for pollination. In Vallisneria, pollination occurs via ephydrophily: the female flower reaches the water surface on a long, coiled stalk, while male flowers float on the surface to release pollen grains. In Hydrilla*, pollen is also transferred through the water. Thus, this pair is correct.
* Water lily and Water hyacinth (Options B, C, and D): Although these plants live in aquatic environments, their large, brightly coloured flowers emerge well above the level of the water surface. They are pollinated by land-based agents like insects (entomophily) or wind (anemophily), not by water currents.
* Parthenium (Option C): This is a terrestrial weed (carrot grass) that relies entirely on wind for pollination (anemophily).
Therefore, options (B), (C), and (D) are incorrect because they include water lily, water hyacinth, or parthenium, none of which use water for pollination.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The pair of plants that are truly pollinated by water is Vallisneria and Hydrilla, which corresponds to option (A).