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