Questions and Answers
Bees collect ______ from flowers, which they convert into food.
nectar
The relationship between bees and flowering plants is described as ______.
mutualistic
Orchids use bizarre devices to mimic the ______ organs of female bees.
sex
Some flowers are shaped and colored like ______ to attract male insects.
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The process where a flower deposits pollen on an insect's head is called ______.
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Many crops rely on ______ for successful pollination.
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Some plants reproduce using ______ in cones or spores instead of flowers.
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Plants that use wind pollination need adaptations for both releasing and ______ pollen.
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WIND POLLINATED flowers often have ______ petals, often brown or dull green.
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Unlike WIND POLLINATED flowers, INSECT POLLINATED flowers usually contain ______.
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The ______ is feathery or net like in WIND POLLINATED flowers to catch drifting pollen.
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WIND POLLINATED flowers produce lots of ______ because most does not reach another flower.
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INSECT POLLINATED flowers have ______, brightly coloured petals to attract insects.
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The anthers of WIND POLLINATED flowers hang ______ the flower to release pollen into the wind.
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Pollen of INSECT POLLINATED flowers is often ______ or spiky to stick to insects.
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In WIND POLLINATED flowers, the stigma hangs outside the flower to ______ the drifting pollen.
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The transfer of pollen from ______ to ______ of a flower.
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If this occurs within the same flower it is called _____ pollination.
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Flowers attract insects through their ______, scent, and nectar.
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Pollen is left on the stigma because it is ______.
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The ______ part of the flower is known as the anther.
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The ______ part of the flower is known as the stigma.
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Insects use ______ as a food source while pollinating.
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Female bees have specialized structures called ______ used for storing pollen.
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Study Notes
Pollination Basics
- Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of a flower, crucial for plant reproduction.
- Self-pollination occurs within a single flower, while cross-pollination involves different flowers.
Role of Insects in Pollination
- Bees gather nectar for food, simultaneously picking up and transferring pollen, establishing a mutualistic relationship with flowering plants.
- Pollination by insects benefits many crops and has an economic value worth millions annually.
Unique Adaptations of Flowers
- Orchids mimic female bee sex organs to attract male bees, leading to pseudocopulation that aids pollination.
- Some flowers mimic the appearance and scent of female insects to entice males, facilitating pollen transfer during attempts to copulate.
Wind vs. Insect Pollination
- Wind-pollinated plants often have small, dull petals, no scent or nectar, and produce large amounts of lightweight pollen that can drift in the air.
- In contrast, insect-pollinated flowers feature bright colors, pleasant scents, and nectar to attract pollinators, with sticky pollen that adheres to insects.
Anatomical Features
- Honeybees and bumblebees possess specialized structures called pollen baskets for collecting and transporting pollen back to their nests.
- Bees have combs and brushes on their legs that help in aggregating pollen, which is moistened with honey or nectar for transport.
Structural Differences
- Wind-pollinated flowers rely on external environmental factors for fertilization and lack reliance on insect attraction mechanisms.
- Insect-pollinated flowers are designed to direct pollinators to ensure effective pollen transfer, with sticky stigmas and strategically placed anthers.
After Pollination
- Successful pollination leads to fertilization, enabling plants to reproduce and develop seeds, critical for the continuation of plant species.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of pollination, including self and cross-pollination processes. Discover how insects, particularly bees, play a vital role in pollination and the unique adaptations of flowers that enhance their reproductive success. Learn about the differences between wind and insect pollination.
