Flowers Adapted to Pollination by Different Agencies

Flowers are adapted to pollination by different agents and methods for developing seeds and fruits. Pollen is carried by agents or pollinators such as birds, bees, bats, butterflies, moths, beetles, other insects, water, and the wind. 

• Fruit production, effective seed development, and fertilization are all caused by pollination. 
• The extensive variation in flower color, form, nectar, and fragrance is a direct outcome of flowers' close relationship with pollinators.

Key Words: Flowers, Pollination, Pollen, Anemophily, Entomophily, Ornithophily, Birds, Wind, Insects.

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Aim

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To study how flowers have evolved to be pollinated by various creatures, such as the wind, insects, and birds.

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Principle

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Pollination is the process of transfer of pollen grains from an anther to the stigma of flowers. Pollen grains are transferred via pollinators.

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Materials Required

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Material required to observe pollination is listed below.

• Fresh flowers
• Magnifying glass

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What is Pollination?

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Transfer of pollen from a flower's male anther to its female stigma is the process of pollination. Pollination can be self-pollination or cross-pollination. Many diverse agents can carry out pollination, including the wind, water, birds, insects, etc. 

The flowers that are adapted to be pollinated by wind, insects, and birds are described in the observations below.

Pollination

Also Read: Pollination by Snails

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Flowers Pollinated by Wind (Anemophily)

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The majority of angiosperms and conifers use wind pollination. This pollination is called anemophily. Those flowers don't release smell or nectar. The microsporangia protrude from the flower in wind-pollinated flowers. The fine pollen moves with the wind as it blows. The feathery stigma of the bloom becomes covered in pollen. As springtime approaches, these flowers begin to bloom even before the leaves wither.

Features

This type of flower has the following features.

• The flowers are tiny, inconspicuous, and without color, scent, or nectar.
• Stigmas and anthers are exerted.
• Pollen grains are small, powdery, light, and abundantly generated.
• The stigmas are broad, occasionally feathery, and branched to capture the pollen.

Wind-pollinated flower

Examples

Few examples of plant possessing flowers that get pollinated by wind is as follows;

• Rice
• Corn (Maize)
• Oats
• Barley
• Papaya

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Flowers Pollinated by Insects (Entomophily)

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Insects pollinate vibrantly coloured flowers that yield nectar. Pollination by insects is called entomophily. Insects are drawn to the fragrance of flowers. The pollen sticks to the body of the insects because it is rough, heavy, big, and sticky. Furthermore, the stigmas prevent pollen from dispersing. The petals have guides for the nectar.

Features

Below are the features of such flowers.

• The flowers are showy, vividly coloured, and fragrant.
• The flowers generate pollen and nectar that can be consumed by insects.
• Stigmas and anthers are frequently inserted.
• Stigmas are typically lobed or flat and unbranched.

Insect-pollinated flower

Examples

Below listed examples show pollination by insects.

• Aster
• Lithops
• Magnolia

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Flowers Pollinated by Birds (Ornithophily)

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This pollination is called ornithophily. Since these flowers are robust and well-adapted, the birds may stay close to them without risking tangling their wings in them. The tubular and curved shapes of flowers make it easier for birds to suck the nectar. The vibrant colors and lack of smell in flowers draw birds. Pollen is deposited on their beaks and necks when they consume the nectar. It is then carried to the next plant they visit.

Bird-pollinated flower

Features

Some basic features of these flowers are as follows.

• Flowers are curved and tubular to make it simpler for birds to consume the nectar.
• Flowers attract birds because of their vivid colors and absence of scent.

Examples

Few examples of such flowers are as given below.

• Bee Balms
• Bromeliads
• Fuchsias
• Hibiscus
• Verbenas

Also Read:

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Things to Remember

• Flower is the reproductive organ of plants.
• The flower structure is in such a way that it is perfectly adapted to promote pollination.
• Pollination is the transfer of pollen from anthers to stigma.
• Pollination is carried out by agents like wind, insects, birds, bats, etc.
• Flower parts are made in such a way that pollination can be possible by different pollinating agents.
• Wind-pollinated flowers have light pollen and feathery stigma
• Insect-pollinated flowers have colorful petals, fragrances and nectar.
• Bird-pollinated flowers have tubular corollas,