Reproduction in Plants
Reproduction in plants happen both sexually and asexually. If it happens sexually, it is a result of dispersion.
Pollination
The two main methods of Pollination of a plants' seeds are by animal or wind. If it is pollinated by wind, the pollen grains would be light so it can travel through the wind. Examples include dandelion seeds. If the grains are dispersed by animal, it would have bright petals or an attracting scent to bring in the animals. The pollen grains would attach to the animal, which would go to the next plant and leave the grains there as the pollen grains attach to the stigma. Examples are flowering plants such as roses or daisies.
The seeds would travel from the anther of one plant (the male part) to the stigma of another (the female part).
The seeds would travel from the anther of one plant (the male part) to the stigma of another (the female part).
Fertilisation in Plants
If pollination is successful, the pollen grain grows a tube down the style to the ovary, where it fuses with the ovum. It grows around the opening in the ovule to get there.
Dispersion
Seeds disperse so that there is less competition for resources such as water in that specific area. There are a few ways in which a plant can disperse its seeds after pollination. These include:
- wind: small or light structure, usually has 'wings' or 'parachutes' to catch the wind. An example is a sycamore seed
- animal: hairs or hooks to catch itself in the animal's fur. Also can be dispersed by animal feces after seeds remain undigested. Examples include the clover fruit or the unicorn plant.
- water: Coconut palms float hundreds of miles before germinating at a beach.
OxNotes Revision Notes Summary for Plant Reproduction
Coming 5 April 2014.
