Adaptations for Pollination

Pollination

Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma

Insect‑pollinated flower

Flower adapted to attract insects for pollination

Wind‑pollinated flower

Flower adapted to release and catch pollen carried by wind

Nectar

Sugary liquid that attracts insects

Scent

Smell produced to attract insects

Bright petals

Colourful petals that attract insects

Sticky pollen

Heavy pollen grains that attach to insects

Light pollen

Small, smooth pollen easily carried by wind

Large anthers (wind)

Exposed anthers that release pollen into the air

Feathery stigma (wind)

Large surface area to catch airborne pollen

Sticky stigma (insect)

Helps trap pollen brought by insects

Petals (wind)

Small or absent because insects are not needed

What is pollination?

Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma

Why do insect‑pollinated flowers have bright petals?

To attract insects

Why do insect‑pollinated flowers produce nectar?

To attract insects for feeding

Why do insect‑pollinated flowers have sticky pollen?

So it attaches to insects

Why do wind‑pollinated flowers have light pollen?

So it can be carried by the wind

Why are wind‑pollinated anthers exposed?

To release pollen into the air easily

Why do wind‑pollinated flowers have feathery stigmas?

To catch airborne pollen

Why do insect‑pollinated flowers have sticky stigmas?

To trap pollen from insects

Why don’t wind‑pollinated flowers have bright petals?

They do not need to attract insects

Which type of flower produces more pollen?

Wind‑pollinated flowers

Which type of flower has larger, more colourful petals?

Insect‑pollinated flowers

Which type of flower has a strong scent?

Insect‑pollinated flowers

Which type of flower has small, dull petals?

Wind‑pollinated flowers

Why do wind‑pollinated flowers produce so much pollen?

To increase chances of successful pollination

Insect-pollinated flower structure

Sepal

Protects unopened flower

Petals

Brightly coloured in insect-pollinated flowers to attract insects

Anther

Produces and releases pollen

Filaments

Provides support to the anther

Stigma

Sticky top of the female part of the flower which collects pollen grains

Style

A tube that connects the stigma and ovary

Ovary

Contains the ovules

Ovule

Structures inside the ovary that contain the female gametes

Carpel

Stigma + Style + Ovary

Stamen

Anther + Filament