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Difficulty: MediumReproductive Systems and Processes in Organisms

In flowering plants, structural adaptations of the floral organs correspond directly to their specific mode of pollination. Which set of features is characteristic of an entomophilous (insect-pollinated) flower?

  1. Brightly colored petals, sticky pollen grains, and nectar-secreting glands at the base of the corolla.Answer
  2. B
    Feathery stigmas protruding outside the flower, light dry pollen grains, and reduced green petals.
  3. C
    Long pendulous filaments dangling outside the perianth with light smooth pollen released in large quantities.
  4. D
    Small, scentless, dull-colored flowers with enclosed stigmas and non-sticky, buoyant pollen.

Answer

Brightly colored petals, sticky pollen grains, and nectar-secreting glands at the base of the corolla.
Insect-pollinated (entomophilous) flowers rely on biotic vectors. Brightly colored petals and nectar attract insects, while sticky pollen grains adhere easily to the body of visiting insects for cross-pollination.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary mechanism of entomophilous (insect) pollination.
Insects require sensory cues (sight, smell, food reward) to visit flowers and transport pollen.
Unlike wind, biological vectors must be actively attracted to the floral structures.
2
Evaluate the structural requirements for effective pollen transfer by insects.
Pollen must be sticky or sculptured to adhere to insect bodies, and nectar glands provide a nutritional reward.
Sticky pollen prevents loss during transport, while brightly colored petals and nectar serve as attractants.
3
Differentiate entomophilous features from anemophilous (wind-pollinated) features.
Wind-pollinated flowers possess feathery stigmas, smooth dry pollen, and dull reduced petals.
Feathery stigmas trap airborne pollen, whereas sticky flowers with nectar rewards are entomophilous.

Key Concept

Floral Adaptations for Entomophilous Pollination
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Topics

Reproductive Systems and Processes in Organisms

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