POLLINATION Flashcards
What is pollination?
It is the transfer of pollen from the anther of one plant to the stigma of another plant.
What are the 2 types of pollination?
● Cross pollination.
● Self pollination.
Explain the 2 types of pollination.
● Cross pollination
= the transfer of pollen from the anther to stigma of a different plant ( of same species).
● Self pollination
= the transfer of pollen from the anther to stigma of the same flower/on same plant.
What are pollinating agents?
Organisms (biotic or abiotic) that enable the process of pollination.
Why do pollinating agents visit a flower?
For a reward in the form of:
- Nectar (rich in sugar).
- Oils.
- Pollen (rich in protein + oils).
- Place to lay eggs.
- A mate.
What is a pollination syndrome?
It is what attracts pollinators to the plant based on certain characteristics.
What are the certain characteristics that plants use in pollination syndromes? (4) CNS²
● Colour.
● Nectar.
● Scent.
● Shape of flower.
Elaborate further on colour pollination syndrome.
= main pollination syndrome.
- Red = Birds.
- White = Moths + Bats.
- Blue/Purple/Pink = Butterflies.
- Nectar guides = Wasps + Bees + Butterflies.
Elaborate further on nectar pollination syndrome.
- often at base of Corolla tube (needs long-beaked birds).
* nectar guide = contrasting colour.
Elaborate further on scent pollination syndrome.
- Sweet = Bees + Butterflies.
- Fruity = Bats.
- Yeasty = Rodents.
- Rotting meat = Flies.
Elaborate further on shape of flower pollination syndrome.
- Tubular (with perch) = Butterflies + Moths + Sunbirds.
- Open (with many parts) = Beetles.
- Landing platform = Butterflies + Bees.
What kind of pollinators do unattractive flowers attract & give an example?
Unattractive flowers attract abiotic pollinators (wind, water)
Eg. Restionaceae
- dull colours.
- reduced to absent petals.
- wind pollination.
