Plant Structure & Reproduction

The parts of a flower Sepals protect the bud until it opens. Petals attract insects. Stamens make pollen. Pistil grow into fruits which contain the seeds.

Stamen (male) Anther: pollen grains grow in the anther. When the grains are fully grown, the anther splits open.

Pistil (female) After pollination the Ovules develop into the seeds and the Pistil develops into the fruit

Pollination Pollination is the act of transferring pollen grains from the male Anther to the female Stigma. Self-Pollination – pollen transfer within the same flower Cross-Pollination – pollen transfer from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower

Pollinators Animals, wind, and water can all help in the transfer of pollen. We call animals or insects that transfer pollen from plant to plant "pollinators".

Adaptations to Attract Pollinators Bright colors and enticing odor to attract bees, bats and other animals Nectar to attract birds and insects like butterflies and hummingbirds Flowers that smell like rotting meat to attract flies

Wind pollination Some flowers, such as grasses, do not have brightly coloured petals and nectar to attract insects. They have adaptations such as increased pollen production and light, flat pollen that allow it to be easily distributed by the wind.

Seed dispersal Wind Explosion Water Animals Birds Scatter

Adaptations for Seed Dispersal Fruit attracts animals to eat the seeds and excrete them away from the plant or bury them as a winter store. Hooks and barbs that allow seeds to cling to fur or clothes.

Adaptations for Seed Dispersal (continued) Stiff “Wings” or fluff that allow seeds to float in the wind Hard seed coat that allows some seeds to be transported by water