Mechanisms of Pollination

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What is pollination in flowers?

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower.

Name three agents of pollination.

Wind, water, and insects.

What is the main advantage of cross-pollination?

Cross-pollination introduces greater genetic diversity.

Why do some flowers not require pollinating agents?

These flowers can self-pollinate, transferring pollen to the stigma within the same flower.

What is the role of pollinators in cross-pollination?

Pollinators help transfer pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another.

What happens genetically during self-pollination?

There is no mixing of genes, leading to less genetic diversity.

What is the definition of sexual reproduction in flowers?

It is the formation and fusion of male and female gametes to produce seeds.

Name two main parts of the pistil in flowers.

Stigma and ovary.

What structures form the stamen in flowers?

The anther and filament.

Why is cross-pollination often genetically preferred?

It allows more genetic variation, potentially producing more advantageous traits.

How is pollen carried by wind pollination different from insect pollination?

Wind-borne pollen is often lighter and smaller, while pollen for insect pollination may be stickier or heavier.

How does water facilitate pollination?

Pollen can be carried by water currents to reach other plants.

Describe a feature of flowers adapted for wind pollination.

They may have long stamens and pistils to catch the wind-borne pollen.

How do insects assist in plant reproduction?

Insects transfer pollen between flowers as they collect nectar.

What plant structure captures pollen during pollination?

The stigma.