3.3 Describe the structures of an insect-pollinated and a wind-pollinated flower and explain how each is adapted for pollination

Figure 1.1 (source: Google Images)

Insect pollinated flowers:

• Large, bright petals to attract insects
• Scented, often with nectar, to attract insects
• Moderate number of pollen grains so they are transferred efficiently by insects
• Sticky or spiky pollen grains, so they stick to insects
• Anthers are located inside the flower (rather than outside) and are firmly attached, so they brush against insects when they try to get the nectar
• The stigma is also inside. It is sticky so pollen grains from insects stick to it when they brush past.

Wind pollinated flowers:

• Small petals with little color - often green or brown
• No scent or nectar because they do not need to appeal to insects
• Large amounts of pollen to increase the chances of it being transferred to another flower
• Anthers are on the outside and filaments are longer so pollen grains are more easily swept away by the wind
• Feathery stigmas form a network outside the flower that helps to catch more pollen from the wind.