Flower Adaptations - Topic 1 (Plant Science II), Element 4 Flashcards
What happens to a plant’s shoot meristems once it matures into its reproductive stage?
They begin to produce floral tissue rather than just leaves
How do perennials differ from annuals and biennials in terms of flowering?
Perennials flower every year once mature; annuals and biennials only flower once in their lives
What is an example of a perennial shrub that flowers each year?
Berberis darwinii (Darwin’s barberry)
What is an example of an annual species that flowers only once?
Papaver somniferum (opium poppy)
List some flower adaptations that enable effective pollination.
- Flower arrangements
- Timing of flowering
- Petals (bright/reduced)
- Scent
- Nectar
- Hermaphrodite
- Monoecious
- Dioecious
- Quantity and characteristics of pollen
What are the advantages of flower adaptations for the plant?
- Enhancing pollination
- Linking pollen characteristics to vectors of pollination
- Favouring cross-pollination
What are the outermost whorl parts of a flower called?
Sepals (collectively, the calyx)
What is the main function of petals in flowers?
To attract pollinators and are usually brightly coloured
Which whorl contains the female parts of the flower?
Gynoecium
Which whorl contains the male parts of the flower?
Androecium
What do the male parts of the flower consist of?
Stamens (made of anther and filament)
What do the female parts of the flower consist of?
Ovary (enclosing the ovules), style, and stigma
Define hermaphrodite in the context of flowers.
Flowers on a plant have both female and male parts
Define monoecious in the context of plants.
Female and male parts are in separate flowers; both flower types are on the same plant
Define dioecious in the context of plants.
Female and male parts are in separate flowers; each flower type is on a different plant
What percentage of plants have hermaphrodite flowers?
About 80%
What is an example of a hermaphrodite species?
Malus domestica (apple)
What is an example of a monoecious species?
Corylus avellana (hazel)
What is an example of a dioecious species?
Ilex aquifolium (holly)
What are inflorescences?
Flowers grouped into structures
What is the difference between axillary and terminal inflorescences?
Axillary inflorescences arise from the axil; terminal inflorescences sit at the tip of a growing branch
What are the characteristics of flowers adapted for wind pollination?
- Pollen smooth and light
- No nectar or scent
- Reduced or absent floral parts
- Hanging, feathery stigmas
What are the characteristics of flowers adapted for insect pollination?
- Pollen spiny/textured
- Bright petals
- Produce nectar and scent
- Large volume of pollen
How do plants attract insects?
- Bright petals
- Scents
- Rewarding with nectar and pollen
What is the benefit of cross-pollination?
Increases genetic diversity and resilience in a species or population
What can lead to inbreeding problems in plants?
Self-pollination
What is protandry?
Male flower parts on a plant mature before the female flower parts
What is protogyny?
Female flower parts on a plant mature before the male flower parts
What is heterostyly?
Plants have more than one form of flower
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What is the outermost whorl of a flower called?
Calyx
The calyx is made up of sepals.
What is the function of petals in a flower?
To attract pollinators
Petals are usually brightly colored.
What is the gynoecium?
The whorl that contains female parts
It includes the ovary, style, and stigma.
What is the androecium?
The whorl that contains male parts
It consists of stamens, which are made of anther and filament.
Define hermaphrodite in terms of flower structure.
Flowers on plant have both female and male parts
This allows for self-fertilization in some cases.
Define monoecious in terms of flower structure.
Female and male parts are in separate flowers on the same plant
Examples include corn and zucchini.
Define dioecious in terms of flower structure.
Female and male parts are in separate flowers on different plants
Examples include holly and kiwifruit.
What are the two types of buds?
Axillary and terminal
Axillary inflorescence occurs in the leaf axils while terminal occurs at the end of a stem.
What is a cyme in terms of inflorescence?
Repeating pairs of flowers
It is a type of determinate inflorescence.
What is an umbel in terms of inflorescence?
Umbrella-like, with flowers arising from a central point
Commonly seen in plants like carrots.
What is a spike in terms of inflorescence?
Flowers coming off a central stem with no pedicels
Common in grasses.
What is a panicle in terms of inflorescence?
A collection of racemes
It is a branched type of inflorescence.
What is a corymb in terms of inflorescence?
A flat-topped flowerhead with pedicels of different lengths
This allows all flowers to be on the same plane.
What is the texture of pollen from Cosmos bipinnatus?
Has a texture that helps it attach to the bodies and fur of insects
It is insect pollinated.
What adaptations does Picea abies pollen have for wind pollination?
Smooth texture and twin air bladders
These adaptations help it catch the wind.
True or False: Angraecum sesquipedale is adapted for bee pollination.
False
It is adapted for moth pollination.
What key features indicate moth-pollinated flowers?
Pale color, scent, tubular shape
They are often open at night and angled to face hovering moths.
What adaptations does Vicia faba have for bee pollination?
A landing platform, sturdy flowers, and white color
Bright patterns visible under UV light also guide bees.
What is self-incompatibility in flowers?
Pollen from a plant cannot fertilize flowers in the same plant
This promotes genetic diversity.
What is heterostyly?
Plants have more than one form of flower
It can help prevent self-pollination.
What is protandry?
Male flower parts mature before female flower parts
It reduces self-pollination opportunities.
What is protogyny?
Female flower parts mature before male flower parts
This also helps reduce self-pollination.
What are flower adaptations?
Features that enhance reproductive success, including:
* Flower arrangements
* Timing of flowering
* Petals (bright/reduced)
* Scent
* Nectar
* Hermaphrodite
* Monoecious
* Dioecious
* Quantity and characteristics of pollen
Flower adaptations are crucial for horticulture and biodiversity.
What horticultural uses do flower adaptations serve?
Uses include:
* Planting/design styles
* Supporting pollinators
* Enhancing biodiversity
Understanding these uses allows for better garden planning and ecological support.
What is the significance of flowering times in edibles?
Knowing flowering times helps in:
* Planning harvests
* Timing for pollination
* Ensuring multiple plants for cross-pollination
Self-fertile cultivars can be advantageous in certain situations.
What is a pictorial meadow?
A meadow designed to:
* Look attractive
* Support pollinators
* Feature brightly coloured, open-flowered species
Examples include species like Cosmos bipinnatus and Papaver rhoeas.
What are some key features of seasonal displays in garden design?
Key features include:
* Coordinated flowering times
* Mass flowering for visual impact
* Long-term planning for flowering species
Examples include spring bulbs like Tulipa and summer bedding plants.
What is the role of scents in plant selection?
Scents can be a reason to select plants for:
* Aesthetic appeal
* Seasonal interest
* Attracting pollinators
Plants like Hamamelis mollis and Daphne mezereum provide both beauty and fragrance.
What is required for dioecious plants to produce berries?
Both female and male plants are needed because:
* Only female plants produce berries
* Male plants are necessary for pollination
Examples include Ilex and Skimmia.
True or False: All flowers are accessible to pollinators.
True
However, some flowers are more accessible to a wider range of insects.
What strategies do plants use to attract pollinators?
Plants may employ methods such as:
* Mimicking other species
* Offering rewards of nectar or pollen
Orchid mimicry is a notable example.
What is the importance of providing food for pollinators year-round?
It ensures:
* Continuous food supply for adult insects
* Development of larvae
* Shelter for overwintering insects
Plants like Phacelia tanacetifolia help extend the flowering season.
What is the relationship between pollinators and biodiversity?
Pollinators contribute to biodiversity by:
* Supporting wild plant reproduction
* Serving as prey for other animals
* Providing habitat and shelter
The overlap between supporting pollinators and overall biodiversity is significant.
Fill in the blank: A plant that cannot self-pollinate is considered _______.
[self-incompatible]
Horticulturists must ensure planting partners for pollination.
What types of insects are primarily responsible for pollination in the UK?
Primarily:
* Bees (honeybees, bumblebees)
* Wasps
* Flies
* Moths
* Butterflies
* Beetles
These insects play crucial roles in pollinating garden plants and crops.
