Question

Compare the characteristic features of insect pollinated and wind pollinated flowers. Explain how the respective features assist in pollination.

Answer 1

Characteristic feature of insect pollinated plant :

•  Flowers are large, colourful, fragnant and rich in nectar to attract insect. If flowers are small then clustered into inflorescence.
• Pollengrains produced are sticky so that it easily sticks to insect body.
• Stigma is sticky so that pollen grains stuck on insect body transfer to stigma.

Wind Pollinated Flowers:

•  Produces light, non-sticky or winged pollengrain so they can be transported in wind currents.
• Anthers are well exposed so that pollens can be easily carried by wind.
• Stigma is large and often feathery to easily trap the airborne pollen grain.
• Flowers are small and inconspicuous and often packed in to an inflorescence.
•  Flowers have a single ovule in each ovary.