Question

Paleontological studies use fossil pollen because
A. Pollen retains viability for long periods of time unlike male gametes in animals
B. The intine of pollen is very hard and stable and can be used in rescuing plant populations on
a decline
C. The exine of pollen retains its structure for long periods of time
D. Soil pollen banks, unlike soil seed banks, stay dormant for long periods of time

Answer 1

C. The exine of pollen retains its structure for long periods of time

Answer 2

Answer:

Paleontological studies use "fossil pollen" because of "the exine of pollen" retains its form for "long periods of time". This in turn, preserves all the structures inside the pollen in an intact manner. So, fossil pollen aids us to study the nature of the plants and the pollen that was found in previous times. Hence, the correct answer for this is "the exine of pollen" retains its structure for "long periods of time".