Pollination Because plants can’t go find a mate they require the help of: Abiotic - Pollination by wind, water or gravity Biotic - Pollination by animals like, insects, birds, small mammals, bats, etc.

Abiotic – Wind pollination – Most common Flowers are usually unscented. Have either very reduced petals and sepals or lack them altogether. Do not produce nectar. Male and female reproductive structures are commonly found in separate plants. The male plants have numerous exposed stamens, often on long filaments; The female flowers have long, often branched, feathery stigmas.

Why? If you are not trying to attract a pollinator, you do not need to advertise. It saves on energy. Negative – you need to release A LOT of pollen – part of the reason so many people have allergies.

Weeping willow

Biotic Pollination What are critters that YOU have seen pollinating? Make a list, now. . . The plant must supply something: Some kind of reward such as food (nectar) Some way to advertise such as odor, color, shape, texture. A way to get the pollen on the visitor but also a way to transfer it to the next flower.

Typical pollinators

Pollination by Bats Over 300 species of fruit depend on bats for pollination. Mangoes, bananas, guavas Flowers visited by bats usually Open at night Large in size (1 – 3.5 inches) Pale or white in color Very fragrant Copious dilute nectar They also feed on the insects in the flowers

Partnerships The yucca plant and yucca moths are so interdependent that they can not live without each other. The female moth pollinates the plant and then lays her eggs in the ovary. She can smell if another female has already laid eggs in an ovary. Some of the seeds will help feed the larvae.

Yucca

Pollination by Deception - Orchids Food Deception Falsely advertise the presence of food by bright colors and sweet scent.

Reproduction Deception Some orchids have co-evolved to be pollinated by one specific type of insect The male “thinks” he is mating with a female because the plant looks so much like the female insect. The plant wins because pollination occurred.

Pollination by entrapment

Left Side: Surprising revelations I learned . . . I am surprised. . . I wonder. . . I like . . .

Test Questions: What are three characteristics of plants pollinated by abiotic factors? What are three characteristics of plants pollinated by biotic factors?

Answers What are three characteristics of plants pollinated by abiotic factors? Small flowers Exposed pollen No bright colors No scent Lots of pollen Longer stamen and stigmas

Answers What are three characteristics of plants pollinated by biotic factors? Bright colors Scent – good or bad Specialized parts Some kind of reward Sometimes, deception