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

What is pollination? Pollination – transfer of pollen from anther to stigma self pollination – transfer occurs in the SAME flower cross pollination – transfer occurs in a DIFFERENT flower

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

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!

BIrdsBIrds 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.

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! Seed Dispersal Website

Animals Many other animals will do the same thing. Seed Dispersal Website

Animals Some animals carry the seeds on their coat. Seed Dispersal Website

Wind The wind can carry seeds a great distance. Seed Dispersal Website

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