Evolution - Pollination

How was the Oldest Angiosperm Fossil (Archae fructose) identified?

Through fossilized pollen grains

Define the Albian Period.

113 m.y.a - in the middle of the Cretaceous Period. Where Diversification and Advantages occured.

What is Outcrossing?

• what advantage does this provide?

Cross breeding with other plants

• Greater Genetic Diversity

What advantage did Vessels & Tracheid’s and Rapid Life Cycles give Angiosperms during the Cretaceous Period

Allow Angiosperms to thrive and dominate

Ex. of what species remained unchanged throughout time. “Basal Angiosperms”

Water Lilles (Nypmhales)

Some trends for Angiosperms over time…

• ____ flower parts → _____ flower parts

• ______ Ovary → _____ Ovary

• __________ flowers from the formation of the Corolla

• Many, Fewer

• Superior, Inferior

• Zygomorphic

What kind of flowers do Bees like for their nectar collection

Tubular, blue & yellow flowers

For Hummingbirds, do they need a landing pad to get nectar?

No

Which animal is attracted to colorless, nocturnal flowers?

Hawkmoth

What colors are the Anthocyanins

Red, Blue, Purple

What is the function of Flavanols?

Blocks UV light

In terms of Self Pollination, what’s the advantage of having a closed instead of an open flower?

Ensures reproductive success in absence of pollinators.

What are the cons of Self pollination

Reduces fitness and diversity of offspring

To prevent Self Pollination, Stigmas are closed while anthers shed pollen. This is called?

Protandry

To prevent Self Pollination, Stigmas open before the anthers shed pollen. This is called?

Portgyny

what are Masses of pollen grains (in orchids + milkweeds) that stick onto the pollinator to ensure successful cross pollination called?

Pollinia

Define Heterostyly and its purpose

Having 2 different styles present one flower. Promotes outcrossing from pollinator.

Symmetry of Ray Flowers

Zygomorphic

Flavnol _____ breaks down during the fall to make Anthocyanins

chlorophyll

What is “Bee’s Purple”

What bees see in yellow carotenoid pigments. Makes a target for the bees promoting pollination