Question: 94. What is the function of tassels in the corn cob?
(1) To disperse pollen grains
(2) To protect seeds
(3) To attract insects
(4) To trap pollen grains
Answer: Option (4)
Explanation:
In maize, the tassel is the male inflorescence that produces pollen grains.
The corn cob bears the female flowers, which have long thread-like structures called silks.
These silks function to trap pollen grains released from the tassels.
When pollen grains get trapped on the silks, they germinate and bring about fertilization.
Thus, the correct function associated with tassels in relation to the corn cob is trapping of pollen grains.