Question

Compare the structure of an insect pollinated flower and a wind pollinated flower?

Answer 1

The characteristics of insect pollinated and wind pollinated flowers are very distinct described below.

Explanation:

The insect pollinated flowers are highly specialized and brightly colored to attract insects for pollination.

Some important characteristics of Insect pollinated and wind pollinated flowers are given as under:

Insect pollinated (Entomophilous ) flowers:

1. These are brightly coloured and attractive. Mostly the petals are colored to attract insects.
   In certain flowers, parts of the flowers other than the petals may be colored to attract insects, such as bracts ( Bougainvillea) , stamens ( Albizzia ), etc.

2. These have fragrance to attract insects.

3. Floral structure in some flowers is modified and adapted for pollination by insects, e.g. Lathyrus odoratus, Salvia, Calotropis, etc.

4. Flowers produce limited number of pollen grains as there is no chance of wastage. The pollen grains are dusted upon stigma by insects.

5. Pollen grains have sticky surface

Wind pollinated (Anemophilous)flowers:

1. Large number of flowers are produced.

2. The flowers are small, inconspicous without any color or fragrance. These are not attractive.

3. The stamens produce large number of pollen grains as there are chances of wastage, as most of the pollen grains are falling on other surfaces than the stigma of flower.

4. The pollen grains are lighter so that these can be easily carried by wind.

5. The pollen grains in some plants like Pinus have air-sacs which help the pollen to be easily carried by wind.