Module 7 Flashcards
(111 cards)
Pollination
Male gametes of flowers being transferred to female gametes
Gymnosperms are mostly pollinated by
Wind
Pollen in flowering plants is made in the
Anther
Pollen from males is transferred to the
Stigma (female reproductive organ) and then the ovary where they are fused
Zygotes become
Seeds
Pollination that is aided by insects is known as
Entomophily
Anything that assists in pollination is
a pollinator
Animal pollination is more effective than
Wind pollination as the pollen moves through the organism to a targeted destination
Only adult insects can
Pollinate and they have adapted mechanisms like long tubes for mouths to better pollinate
Insects adaptations for pollen
Can have hairs to help pick up pollen
Pollen baskets on the hind legs to carry pollen
Pollination is
Mutualistic
Pollinators can be
Generalists (bumblebees) or specialists
Specialists
Only pollinate certain plants, for plants they are beneficial because it decreases the chance of pollen being lost for plants and the pollinators have an exclusive food source without competition
Pollinators use what to signal to insects
Visual cues
Scent (can trick the insect into pollinating by providing a scent of a mate or food)
Nectar guides
UV light provided by flowers that is visible to insects but invisible to humans
Used to send a signal to insects
Harmful insects to pollinators
Nectar robbers
Tear open flowers to feed on nectar and do not even pollinate
Industrialization has affected
Pollen forming plants as well as pollinators
Insecticide pollinator affects
Can be found in the pollen of plants which can lead to it killing pollinators
Neonicotinoids
Considered safe for vertebrates but deadly for insects
Have very negative effects on pollinators (can disrupt behaviour and ability to learn or even kill them)
Two types of pollinators
Wild vs managed pollinator
Managed pollinator best example
Bees
First insects to be domesticated and forage on pollen
Other managed pollinators
Bumblebees
Bumblebees pollination method
Buzz pollination
Buzz pollination
Once in the flower, the bee violently shakes its wings to release pollen