The “birds and bees” (and more!) of plant procreation!!! Pollination The “birds and bees” (and more!) of plant procreation!!!

Learning Goal Students will be able to identify structural and behavioral adaptations of organisms that allow for survival. How do plants adapt to their surroundings in order to survive? What adaptations do plants have that assist them in reproduction?

What is pollination? Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or of another flower. Within the same flower it is called self pollination The transfer of pollen to a different plant (of the same species) is called cross pollination.

How It Happens Pollen falls from the anther to the stigma Sperm cell from the pollen joins the egg cell in the ovary This fertilization process results in a seed The fruit forms around the seed-hopefully making the seed more attractive for dispersal

Life Cycle of an Angiosperm (flower producer whose seed is enclosed in fruit)

Pollinating animals visit flowers not only because they are pretty or smell nice, but because they offer sugary nectar and protein rich pollen. Flowers “trade” their food in hopes insects will be attracted and pollinate.

Bees Both honeybees and native wild bees such as bumblebees are attracted to flowers with bright lively colors especially blues and yellows. Bees cannot see red.

Bats Bats typically pollinate at night in the areas such as American Southwest and the rainforest. Flowers pollinated by bats are typically large and sturdy. Night blooming flowers are the most common flowers pollinated by bats such as cactus flowers (saguaro)

Butterflies Blossoms built for butterflies have lively colors, especially pinks, blues, and yellows. They are often grouped together in small masses. The floral tube is usually narrow, restricted to allow for the butterfly’s slender tongue… fat bees keep away!

Red is a banner that says “EAT HERE” to these fast flying birds (hummingbirds). These pink, orange, and red blossoms are narrowly constricted so that only narrow bills can enter. There is no landing platform on the flowers. B I rds

Gymnosperm- “Naked Seed”

Gymnosperm Seed is not enclosed (ex: pinecone) “Non-flowering” seed plant Tree or plant usually has needles that stay green year round (pine trees, furs, cedars and spruces)

Pollination of Gymnosperm Pollination occurs once a genetically compatible pollen grain lands directly on the ovule. Generally one fertilization event in the ovules It may be one year or longer between pollination and fertilization. Once fertilized, the seed is released and grows into a new plant or tree

Compared…                                                                                    Gymnosperm and Angiosperm Seeds

Seed Dispersal Seeds need to reach a destination where they can grow. How do they get there without a way to cause movement of their own?

Birds Birds can carry seeds to a new location in their mouths or the seeds may be dispersed when the bird poops!

Animals Many other animals will do the same thing.

Animals Some animals carry the seeds on their coat.

Wind The wind can carry seeds a great distance.

Water Water can carry seeds great distances like these coconuts washing up on the beach.

Explosion

Learning Goal Students will be able to identify structural and behavioral adaptations of organisms that allow for survival. How do plants adapt to their surroundings in order to survive? What adaptations do plants have that assist them in reproduction? Where are you on the Learning Scale? 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4?