ENVS 2210 Study Guide - Final Guide: Flower Constancy, Pupa, Pollination
Document Summary
Transfer of pollen grains (male gametes) from anthers to stigmas. Pollen grains travel down the style to fertilize ovules. Two types of reproduction: self fertile/compatible: can pollinate themselves, but benefit from insect visits, self-infertile: need cross pollination, increases genetic variability. Biotic and entomophilous pollination: entomophily: pollination by insects, zoophily: pollination by vertebrates. Flowers attract pollinators: shape, colour, scent, nectar, pollen: blue/purple bees. 1/3 of western diet is dependent (directly/indirectly) upon insect pollinated plants (mainly bees) Improve the quality (shape, sugar content) and quantity of crops (yield > 20%) Increased vulnerability of come plant species of extinction. Consequences are difficult to assess in non-agricultural systems. Rare plant species or with small populations (endangered) should be studied. Bees that pollinate: honey bees, bumble bees, leafcutting bees, alkali bees, orchid bees foraging strategies: flower constancy: forage on a single species (fidelity: constancy leads to specialization, foraging efficiency, and effective pollination.