Question

The insects, butterflies, honeybees and birds help flowering plants in ___

Answer 1

Pollination:

1. The transfer of pollen grains shed from the anther to the stigma of a pistil is termed pollination.
2. Pollination is of three types

(i) Autogamy

1. Pollen grains from the male flower get deposited on the stigma of the same flower.
2. The male and female flowers should lie near each other.
3. Also known as self-fertilization.
4. Examples are sunflowers, orchids, and peas.

(ii) Geitonogamy

1. Pollen grain from another flower gets deposited on the stigma of the same flower.
2. Genetically it is similar to self-fertilization and ecologically it is considered cross-pollination because its transfer requires pollinating agents.
3. Examples are maize plants.

(iii) Xenogamy

1. Pollen grain gets deposited on the stigma of the different plants.
2. This type of pollination requires pollinating agents.
3. In this genetically different pollen gets transferred on stigma.
4. Its examples are onion and papaya.

Agents of pollination:

1. Pollination can be by abiotic sources that as wind and water.
2. Pollination by wind is common among another abiotic agent
3. Plant are pollinated by abiotic sources their flowers are not colorful and do not produce nectar.
4. Pollination can be by biotic sources as well.
5. Bees, butterflies, flies, beetles, wasps, ants, moths, birds (sunbirds and hummingbirds), and bats are the common pollinating agents among biotic agents.
6. The majority of insect-pollinated flowers are large, colorful, fragrant, and rich in nectar to attract insects.
7. Agents of pollination require in cross-pollinating plants.

Final answer: The insects, butterflies, honeybees, and birds help flowering plants in pollination.