Pollination Biology Flashcards
Name 2 plants which have obligate relationships with their pollinators
Yuccas
Senita cacti
What are the 2 key principles of co-evolution?
Adaptations from both plants and animals to obtain/distribute pollen
Positive feedback system
What are the steps of yucca pollination?
- Female moth gathers pollen into a ball and carries it in her mouth to another Yucca
- Enters flower deposits pollen ball on the stigma
- Pierces the ovary wall and lays eggs
- Climbs up to the anthers and collects pollen
- Grubs develop and eat 20% of their seeds
What colour are bee pollinated flowers?
Blue or yellow
What is the positive feedback for bee pollinated flowers?
Nectar and pollen for larvae
What colour are bird pollinated flowers?
Red or orange
Do bird pollinated flowers smell?
Not really, they have little or no odour
What is the adaptive significance of biotic pollination?
Pollen transfer more efficient
Fewer pollen grains needed
Provides another mechanism for reproductive isolation, therefore promotes speciation
Is the stigma feathery or whole?
Feathery
How is mimicry displayed in orchids?
They mimic a female wasp/ bee, eliminating the need for positive feedback
What colour are butterfly pollinated flowers?
Red
Do beetles flowers smell?
Yes, they have a strong fruity or fermenting odour
What colour is a beetle pollinated flower?
White or dull flowers
What colour is a moth pollinated flower?
Pale flowers
What is a bat pollinated flowers positive feedback?
It has nectar and highly proteinaceous pollen
