Question

Differentiate between the following:
(a) asexual and sexual reproduction
(b) self and cross pollination
(c) wind-pollinated flowers and insect pollinated flowers

Answer 1

(a) Difference between asexual and sexual reproduction

Asexual Reproduction	Sexual Reproduction
It requires only one parent.	It requires two parents.
The newly developed plants are identical to the parent and to each other.	The newly developed plants are not identical to the parents.
Special reproductive cells are not required in asexual reproduction.	Flower is the main reproductive part that contains the special cells required for sexual reproduction.
Examples are potato, rose and jasmine.	Examples are flowering plants like neem, mango and papaya.

(b) Difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination

Self-Pollination	Cross-Pollination
It involves the transfer of pollen grains within the same flower or between different flowers of the same plant.	It involves the transfer of pollen grains between the flowers of the same species on two different plants.

(c) Difference between wind-pollinated flowers and insect-pollinated flowers

Wind-Pollinated Flowers	Insect-Pollinated Flowers
Flowers are usually small and are not brightly coloured.	Flowers are usually large, coloured and showy, for example, orchids.
Flowers are not scented, as it is not required.	Flowers are strongly scented to attract insects that are active during the night, for example, jasmine.
Flowers do not contain nectar.	Flowers usually contain nectar to attract insects.
Pollen grains are small and dry and light in weight so that they can be easily carried away by the wind.	Pollens are often sticky or spiky to stick to insects.
They produce huge quantities of pollens to allow wastage when carried by wind to another flower.	They produce moderate quantity of pollens, as it involves less wastage than wind pollination.
Stigmas are feathery or net-like to catch the drifting pollens.	Stigmas are usually sticky so that the pollens brought by insects easily stick to them.