4.1.8

Pollination Methods

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Pollination Methods

Different plants rely on different ways to transfer pollen between flowers of plants:

Illustrative background for Insect-pollinated flowersIllustrative background for Insect-pollinated flowers ?? "content

Insect-pollinated flowers

  • Some plants rely on insects to carry pollen between flowers.
  • These plants often have large, brightly-coloured petals and also produce sweet nectar to attract insects.
  • Insects brush past the anthers as they try to get to the nectar, and become covered in pollen, which is transferred to the next flower the insect visits.
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Insect-spread pollen

  • This pollen is barbed so that it attaches easily to insects that brush past the anthers.
Illustrative background for Wind-pollinated flowersIllustrative background for Wind-pollinated flowers ?? "content

Wind-pollinated flowers

  • These flowers rely on gusts of wind to carry their pollen to other flowers.
  • They do not produce nectar and don't have large or brightly-coloured petals.
  • The stigmas are large and extend out of the flower so they can catch any passing pollen.
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Wind-spread pollen

  • These pollen grains are smooth and lightweight so that they can be carried by the wind over long distances.
  • Some may also have wing-like structures so that they are picked up by the wind easily.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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