Which of the following represents the correct evolutionary order, from earliest to latest evolution?

A. Wind-pollinated plant → plant with swimming sperm → animal-pollinated plant

B. Plant with swimming sperm → animal-pollinated plant → wind-pollinated plant

C. Animal-pollinated plant → wind-pollinated plant → plant with swimming sperm

D. Animal-pollinated plant → plant with swimming sperm → wind-pollinated plant

E. Plant with swimming sperm → wind-pollinated plant → animal-pollinated plant

The correct answer will be option-E

Explanation:

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male plant to female plant which also developed and co-evolved with the evolution of the plant kingdom.

In the bryophytes and the pteridophytes, the pollination was mediated by the transfer of the male sperms to female plants through water so these groups were pollinated by the water.

Later the plants evolved into the gymnosperms which bore naked seeds and their pollination was mediated by the wind mainly. With the emergence of the angiosperms which bore flowers and the nectar to attract the insects were and are pollinated by the insects.

Thus, pollination strategies evolved with the evolution of the plant kingdom and option-E is the correct answer.

The answer is E