Question

1. In what way are insects or wind involved in cross-pollination? What advantage does cross-pollination, rather than self-pollination, confer?
2. Of the four main flower parts, which are directly involved in reproduction? What functions do the other parts serve?

Answer 1

1)Cross-pollination is advantageous because it allows for diversity in the species, as the genetic information of different plants is combined. However, it relies on the existence of pollinators that will travel from plant to plant.

Cross-pollination is advantageous because it allows for diversity in the species, as the genetic information of different plants is combined. However, it relies on the existence of pollinators that will travel from plant to plant.

Self-pollination leads to more uniform progeny, meaning that the species is, for example, less resistant as a whole to disease. However, it does not need to expend energy on attracting pollinators and can spread beyond areas where suitable pollinators can be found.

2)Flowers contain the plant's reproductive structures. A typical flower has four main parts—or whorls—known as the calyx, corolla, androecium, and gynoecium. The outermost whorl of the flower has green, leafy structures known as sepals.

The flower is the reproductive unit of some plants (angiosperms). Parts of the flower include petals, sepals, one or more carpels (the female reproductive organs), and stamens (the male reproductive organs). The Female Reproductive Organs: The pistil is the collective term for the carpel(s).

The three main parts are: the roots, the leaves, and the stem. Each part has a set of jobs to do to keep the plant healthy. The roots absorb water and minerals from the soil and anchor the plant in the ground. The stem supports the plant above ground, and carries the water and minerals to the leaves.