Pollination Methods

1. PollinationMethods Susan Martin 7th grade Science

2. Pollination • Transfer of pollen grains (male-sperm) to the female part (stigma) of a seed plant by agents such as gravity, water, wind, and animals

3. Some flowers are JUST male OR female • The Alder is monoecious. Shown here: maturing male flower catkins on right, last year's female catkins on left • (top right) male flower enlarged, showing stamens with pollen and reduced, sterile stigma; (below) shoot with flowers from female plant; (lower right) female flower enlarged, showing stigma and reduced, sterile stamens with no pollen

5. Function of a Flower • To attract pollinators by colorful petals, scent, nectar, markings and pollen

6. Pollination Methods- 1. Wind/Gravity • angiosperms& gymnosperms • No bright colors, special odors, or nectar • Most have no petals so Stamens and stigmas exposed to air • Large amount of pollen • lightweight, easily airborne • Usually trees & grasses

7. 2. water • Pollen floats on the water’s surface drifting until it contacts flowers • Very rare, waterweeds and pondweeds

8. 3. Animals • A. Insects • Bee- usually yellows or blues, have nectar and/or pollen • Butterfly: usually pinks or purples, scented, may have landing area, lots of nectar with little pollen, nectar guides & long tubes for butterfly tongues

9. Animals cont. • Insects continued • Moths: usually white, blooms at night, strong sweet scents • Beetles: may be spicy, fruity, or smell like decay • Fly: Can have nectar or pollen, or smell like decay

10. Animals cont. • B. Birds- greatest nectar specialization, odorless, red or orange flowers, long tubes for hummingbirds • C. Bats: large, white, strong odor, open at night, offer nectar

11. Resources • http://www.life.umd.edu/CBMG/faculty/Moctezuma/BSCI124/Lectures/PPT/Lec13_Pollination.ppt • http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/bees.shtml • http://www.pdphoto.org/PictureHome.php