Question

Give four adaptations in flowers pollinated by insects.

Answer 1

• Large and brightly coloured petals, scent or nectar.
• Small flowers, such as those in the Asteraceae family, are grouped into conspicuous inflorescences to attract insects.
• Emission of a strong odour at night. e.g., Cestrum nocturnum - Queen of the night.
• Pollen grains are sticky or have spinous outgrowths on the exine.
• The stigmas are also sticky.
• The positions of the anthers and stigma are such that insects, while visiting the flower for food (pollen, nectar, etc.), obtain dusted with pollen grains and when the same insect visits another flower, its body comes in contact with the stigma of that flower with almost unerring certainty.