Question

During an excavation of soil, Pollen fossils were retrieved from deepest remained as fossils because

• A. The exine of pollen grains is highly resistant to enzyme action
• B. Pollen grains are asexual reproductive structures
• C. The intine of pollen grains is made up of pectin
• D. Exine has spiny Ornamentation

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The pollen grain consists of two layers - intine (inner layer) and exine (outer layer). The exine is covered by a chemically inert substance called sporopollenin which is one of the most resistant organic materials. Due to this, the pollen grains do not get destroyed by any external condition or enzymatic activity. So, pollen grains can remain as fossils.