Question

List the characteristic features of flowers pollinated by wind and by insects.

Answer 1

1. The plants and the flowers have certain characteristic features depending on the type of the agent of pollination.
2. These features help the plants in pollination.

Pollination by wind

• Plants such as maize, wheat, grass, palm and pine are pollinated by wind.
• The pollen grains are blown away by the wind and get deposited on the stigma of another flower.
• The special features of wind-pollinated flowers are as follows:

1. Flowers are usually small and inconspicuous.
2. Stamens are long and hang out from the flower so Feathery stigma that pollen grains can be easily blown away.
3. Pollen grains are light and are produced in large numbers.
4. Such plants have feathery stigmas so that they can easily receive the pollen grains passing by in the breeze.

Pollination by insects

• Plants such as Rose, Hibiscus,mustard and Marigold are pollinated by insects.
• The special features of flowers pollinated by insects are as follows:

1. Flowers are large, scented and contain nectar to attract insects.
2. Petals are brightly coloured to attract insects.
3. Pollen grains are usually sticky so that they can easily stick to the insect's body.
4. The stigma of flowers are sticky so that the pollen grains are easily brushed off from the body of the insects.