Pollination Question Paper

Subject: Biology - Plant Reproduction
Topic: Pollination
Total Questions: 190
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 450

SECTION A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) - 100 Questions × 1 Mark = 100 Marks

Instructions: Choose the correct option for each question.

The male reproductive part of a flower is called: a) Gynoecium b) Androecium c) Carpel d) Ovary
Which part of the stamen produces pollen grains? a) Filament b) Style c) Anther d) Stigma
The sticky tip that receives pollen is called: a) Style b) Ovary c) Anther d) Stigma
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from: a) Stigma to anther b) Anther to stigma c) Ovary to style d) Style to ovary
Self-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred: a) Between different species b) From anther to stigma of the same flower or same plant c) From one plant to a different plant d) By wind only
Cross-pollination involves transfer of pollen between: a) Same flower b) Same plant c) Different plants of same species d) Different species
Which of the following is an example of self-pollinating plant? a) Apple b) Sunflower c) Pea d) Maize
The stalk that supports the anther is called: a) Style b) Filament c) Stigma d) Ovary
Bisexual flowers contain: a) Only male organs b) Only female organs c) Both male and female organs d) Neither male nor female organs
Unisexual flowers are also called: a) Perfect flowers b) Imperfect flowers c) Complete flowers d) Hybrid flowers
The collective term for all carpels in a flower is: a) Androecium b) Gynoecium c) Stamen d) Anther
Which part connects the stigma to the ovary? a) Filament b) Style c) Anther d) Carpel
Ovules are contained in the: a) Anther b) Stigma c) Style d) Ovary
Cross-pollination is usually carried out by: a) Self-transfer b) External agents c) Gravity only d) Plant movement
Which of the following is NOT an agent of cross-pollination? a) Wind b) Water c) Insects d) Roots
Rose is an example of: a) Unisexual flower b) Bisexual flower c) Male flower only d) Incomplete flower
Cucumber has: a) Bisexual flowers b) Only female flowers c) Only male flowers d) Unisexual flowers
The swollen base of the carpel is: a) Stigma b) Style c) Ovary d) Anther
Genetic diversity is promoted by: a) Self-pollination b) Cross-pollination c) Vegetative reproduction d) Budding
Which of the following fruits result from pollination? a) Potato b) Apple c) Onion d) Ginger
Pollen grains are produced in: a) Ovary b) Style c) Anther d) Stigma
The main function of filament is to: a) Produce pollen b) Support anther c) Receive pollen d) Store ovules
Perfect flowers are also called: a) Unisexual flowers b) Bisexual flowers c) Male flowers d) Incomplete flowers
Maize is pollinated by: a) Self-pollination b) Cross-pollination c) Water d) Underground transfer
The process essential for seed formation is: a) Germination b) Pollination c) Photosynthesis d) Respiration
Hibiscus flower is: a) Unisexual b) Bisexual c) Male only d) Female only
Which structure develops into seeds? a) Pollen grains b) Ovules c) Stigma d) Style
The female reproductive organ of a flower is: a) Stamen b) Anther c) Carpel d) Filament
Wheat undergoes: a) Cross-pollination b) Self-pollination c) No pollination d) Water pollination
Birds can act as agents of: a) Self-pollination b) Cross-pollination c) Seed dispersal only d) Photosynthesis
The part of gynoecium that is sticky is: a) Ovary b) Style c) Stigma d) Ovule
Sunflower is an example of: a) Self-pollinating plant b) Cross-pollinating plant c) Non-flowering plant d) Vegetatively reproducing plant
Each stamen consists of: a) Anther and style b) Anther and filament c) Stigma and ovary d) Style and ovary
Papaya has: a) Bisexual flowers b) Perfect flowers c) Unisexual flowers d) No flowers
The advantage of cross-pollination is: a) Less energy required b) Genetic diversity c) Faster reproduction d) No external agents needed
Rice is pollinated by: a) Cross-pollination b) Self-pollination c) Wind only d) Insects only
Lily flower is: a) Unisexual b) Bisexual c) Male only d) Imperfect
The reproductive part that contains both stamens and carpels is: a) Unisexual flower b) Bisexual flower c) Male flower d) Incomplete flower
Watermelon has: a) Perfect flowers b) Bisexual flowers c) Unisexual flowers d) No reproductive organs
External agents of pollination include: a) Wind, water, animals b) Soil, air, water c) Roots, stems, leaves d) Seeds, fruits, flowers
The structure that receives pollen during pollination: a) Anther b) Filament c) Stigma d) Ovule
Self-pollination results in: a) Higher genetic diversity b) Lower genetic diversity c) No reproduction d) Hybrid formation
The male gametes in plants are found in: a) Ovules b) Pollen grains c) Seeds d) Fruits
Which of the following statements about pollination is correct? a) It always requires external agents b) It can occur within the same flower c) It only happens in unisexual flowers d) It produces fruits directly
The term androecium refers to: a) Female parts collectively b) Male parts collectively c) Both male and female parts d) Non-reproductive parts
Successful pollination leads to: a) Leaf formation b) Root development c) Fertilization and seed formation d) Flower wilting
Cross-pollination requires: a) Same plant b) Same flower c) Different plants of same species d) Any two plants
The structure that connects anther to the flower is: a) Style b) Stigma c) Filament d) Ovary
Bisexual flowers can undergo: a) Only self-pollination b) Only cross-pollination c) Both self and cross-pollination d) No pollination
The reproductive advantage of having bisexual flowers is: a) Reduced energy cost b) Possibility of self-pollination c) Faster growth d) Better root development
Unisexual flowers prevent: a) Cross-pollination b) Self-pollination c) Seed formation d) Fruit development
The part of carpel where fertilization occurs: a) Stigma b) Style c) Ovary d) Anther
Pollen tube grows through: a) Anther b) Filament c) Style d) Ovary wall
Agents of cross-pollination are called: a) Pollinators b) Fertilizers c) Germinators d) Producers
The sticky nature of stigma helps in: a) Producing pollen b) Catching and holding pollen c) Storing ovules d) Supporting the flower
Self-pollination is advantageous when: a) Pollinators are abundant b) Pollinators are scarce c) Weather is favorable d) Soil is fertile
The female gametes in plants are present in: a) Pollen grains b) Anthers c) Ovules d) Stigma
Pollination must occur before: a) Germination b) Fertilization c) Photosynthesis d) Transpiration
The main disadvantage of self-pollination is: a) High energy requirement b) Need for external agents c) Reduced genetic variation d) Slow reproduction
Wind-pollinated flowers usually have: a) Bright colors b) Strong fragrance c) Light, dry pollen d) Sticky pollen
Insect-pollinated flowers typically have: a) Dull colors b) No fragrance c) Bright colors and fragrance d) Small size
The process that follows successful pollination: a) Germination b) Fertilization c) Photosynthesis d) Transpiration
Monoecious plants have: a) Only male flowers b) Only female flowers c) Both male and female flowers on same plant d) Bisexual flowers only
Dioecious plants have: a) Male and female flowers on same plant b) Male and female flowers on different plants c) Only bisexual flowers d) No flowers
The pollen grain contains: a) Female gamete b) Male gamete c) Both gametes d) No gametes
After pollination, the pollen grain: a) Dies immediately b) Germinates on stigma c) Falls off d) Moves to anther
The tube formed by pollen grain is called: a) Style tube b) Pollen tube c) Ovary tube d) Stigma tube
Pollination is essential for: a) Photosynthesis b) Respiration c) Sexual reproduction d) Vegetative growth
The carpel is composed of: a) Anther, filament, and connective b) Stigma, style, and ovary c) Sepals, petals, and stamens d) Roots, stems, and leaves
Cross-pollination increases: a) Plant height b) Leaf number c) Genetic diversity d) Root depth
The transfer of pollen within the same flower is: a) Cross-pollination b) Self-pollination c) Artificial pollination d) Natural selection
Flowers that have only stamens are called: a) Female flowers b) Male flowers c) Bisexual flowers d) Perfect flowers
The ovary after fertilization develops into: a) Seed b) Fruit c) Leaf d) Root
Pollination by insects is called: a) Anemophily b) Hydrophily c) Entomophily d) Ornithophily
Pollination by wind is called: a) Entomophily b) Anemophily c) Hydrophily d) Zoophily
The microsporangium in flowering plants is: a) Ovule b) Ovary c) Anther d) Stigma
The megasporangium in flowering plants is: a) Anther b) Pollen sac c) Ovule d) Filament
Cleistogamous flowers exhibit: a) Cross-pollination only b) Self-pollination only c) Both types of pollination d) No pollination
The condition where stamens and carpels mature at different times: a) Dichogamy b) Heterostyly c) Self-incompatibility d) Cleistogamy
Pollination by birds is called: a) Entomophily b) Anemophily c) Ornithophily d) Chiropterophily
The reward that flowers offer to animal pollinators: a) Oxygen b) Carbon dioxide c) Nectar d) Water
Artificial pollination is done by: a) Natural agents b) Human intervention c) Self-mechanism d) Gravity
The compatibility between pollen and stigma of the same flower: a) Self-compatibility b) Self-incompatibility c) Cross-compatibility d) Hybrid compatibility
Pollination by water is called: a) Anemophily b) Hydrophily c) Entomophily d) Zoophily
The phenomenon where flowers open only at specific times: a) Photoperiodism b) Anthesis c) Dehiscence d) Abscission
Pollen grains are: a) Diploid b) Haploid c) Triploid d) Tetraploid
The female gametophyte in flowering plants is: a) Pollen grain b) Embryo sac c) Ovary d) Stigma
The male gametophyte in flowering plants is: a) Anther b) Pollen grain c) Filament d) Stamen
Double fertilization is unique to: a) Gymnosperms b) Angiosperms c) Pteridophytes d) Bryophytes
The nutritive tissue formed after double fertilization: a) Embryo b) Endosperm c) Seed coat d) Fruit wall
Pollination ensures: a) Continuity of species b) Immediate growth c) Leaf formation d) Root development
The evolutionary advantage of cross-pollination: a) Less energy expenditure b) Rapid reproduction c) Genetic recombination d) Simple mechanism
Flowers adapted for wind pollination have: a) Sticky pollen b) Light, dry pollen c) Heavy pollen d) Colored pollen
The structure that protects ovules: a) Anther wall b) Filament c) Ovary wall d) Style
Pollination is followed by: a) Seed dispersal b) Fertilization c) Germination d) Fruit ripening
The process of pollen release from anther: a) Pollination b) Fertilization c) Dehiscence d) Germination
Cross-pollination prevents: a) Seed formation b) Inbreeding depression c) Fruit development d) Growth
The landing platform for pollinators in flowers: a) Sepals b) Petals c) Stamens d) Carpels
Successful pollination results in: a) Immediate seed formation b) Pollen tube formation c) Leaf growth d) Root elongation
The biological significance of pollination: a) Food production only b) Reproduction and food production c) Growth only d) Development only

SECTION B: Short Answer Questions (1 Mark Each) - 50 Questions × 1 Mark = 50 Marks

Instructions: Write brief answers in 1-2 sentences.

Define pollination.
Name the male reproductive part of a flower.
What is the function of the anther?
Name the sticky part of the female reproductive organ.
What connects the stigma to the ovary?
Define self-pollination.
Give two examples of self-pollinating plants.
What is cross-pollination?
Name three agents of cross-pollination.
What are bisexual flowers?
Give an example of a bisexual flower.
What are unisexual flowers?
Name a plant with unisexual flowers.
What is the collective term for all stamens?
What is the collective term for all carpels?
Where are ovules located?
What develops from ovules after fertilization?
Name the stalk that supports the anther.
What is another name for bisexual flowers?
What is another name for unisexual flowers?
Which part of the flower produces pollen grains?
What is the main function of the stigma?
Give an example of cross-pollinating plant.
What promotes genetic diversity in plants?
Name two characteristics of wind-pollinated flowers.
Name two characteristics of insect-pollinated flowers.
What is the advantage of self-pollination?
What is the disadvantage of self-pollination?
What is the advantage of cross-pollination?
What reward do flowers offer to animal pollinators?
What is artificial pollination?
Name the process of pollen release from anthers.
What type of flowers does cucumber have?
What type of flowers does rose have?
Which part of the carpel swells to form fruit?
What is the scientific term for male flowers?
What is the scientific term for female flowers?
Name the tube formed by germinating pollen.
What must happen before fertilization can occur?
What is the main purpose of pollination?
Which flowers can undergo both self and cross-pollination?
What prevents self-pollination in unisexual flowers?
Name a dioecious plant.
Name a monoecious plant.
What is the ploidy of pollen grains?
What is entomophily?
What is anemophily?
What is hydrophily?
What happens to the ovary after successful fertilization?
Why is pollination important for biodiversity?

SECTION C: Short Answer Questions (2 Marks Each) - 25 Questions × 2 Marks = 50 Marks

Instructions: Write detailed answers in 3-4 sentences.

Explain the structure of a stamen with its functions.
Describe the structure of a carpel and its components.
Differentiate between self-pollination and cross-pollination with examples.
Compare bisexual and unisexual flowers with suitable examples.
Explain why cross-pollination leads to genetic diversity.
Describe the process of pollination step by step.
List the adaptations of wind-pollinated flowers and explain why.
List the adaptations of insect-pollinated flowers and explain their significance.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of self-pollination.
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of cross-pollination.
Describe the role of external agents in cross-pollination.
Explain the importance of pollination in food production.
Differentiate between perfect and imperfect flowers.
Describe what happens after pollen lands on the stigma.
Explain the relationship between flower structure and pollination method.
Describe the economic importance of pollination.
Explain why some plants have evolved unisexual flowers.
Compare monoecious and dioecious plants with examples.
Describe the role of nectar in pollination.
Explain how pollination contributes to plant evolution.
Describe the different types of pollinators and their characteristics.
Explain the concept of pollination syndrome.
Describe how humans can assist in pollination.
Explain the consequences of failed pollination.
Describe the seasonal aspects of pollination and their importance.

SECTION D: Long Answer Questions (3 Marks Each) - 15 Questions × 3 Marks = 45 Marks

Instructions: Write comprehensive answers in 5-6 sentences with diagrams where necessary.

Draw a labeled diagram of a bisexual flower showing all reproductive parts. Explain the function of each part in the process of pollination.
Explain the complete process of pollination and fertilization in flowering plants. Include the journey of pollen from anther to ovule.
Compare and contrast self-pollination and cross-pollination. Discuss their evolutionary significance and provide examples of plants for each type.
Describe the various agents of cross-pollination. Explain the specific adaptations that flowers have evolved for each type of pollinating agent.
Explain the importance of pollination in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Discuss the consequences of pollinator decline.
Describe the structure and function of androecium and gynoecium. Explain how their arrangement affects the type of pollination in a flower.
Discuss the economic and ecological importance of pollination. Provide examples of crops that depend on different types of pollination.
Explain the concept of pollination syndromes. Describe how flowers are adapted for wind, insect, and bird pollination.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of having bisexual versus unisexual flowers. Explain which strategy might be better in different environmental conditions.
Explain the role of co-evolution between flowers and their pollinators. Provide examples of specific flower-pollinator relationships.
Describe the process of artificial pollination and its applications in agriculture and plant breeding. Explain why it might be necessary.
Discuss the factors that affect the success of pollination. Explain how environmental changes can impact pollination efficiency.
Explain the relationship between flower morphology and pollination mechanism. Describe how scientists can predict a flower's pollination method by examining its structure.
Describe the temporal aspects of pollination, including the timing of anther dehiscence, stigma receptivity, and pollinator activity. Explain their coordination.
Discuss the conservation implications of pollination biology. Explain why understanding pollination is crucial for plant conservation efforts.

SECTION E: Diagram-Based Questions (Additional Section) - 50 Marks

Instructions: Draw neat, labeled diagrams and answer the related questions.

Diagram Questions (5 questions × 10 marks each)

Draw a detailed diagram of a complete bisexual flower in longitudinal section. (5 marks) Label: Anther, Filament, Stigma, Style, Ovary, Ovule, Petal, Sepal (3 marks) Explain the pathway of pollen from anther to ovule. (2 marks)
Draw diagrams showing the difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination. (6 marks) Write two advantages of each method. (4 marks)
Draw and label the male and female reproductive parts of a flower separately. (6 marks) Explain the function of each labeled part. (4 marks)
Draw a flowchart showing the process of pollination leading to seed formation. (6 marks) Explain each step briefly. (4 marks)
Draw diagrams of three different types of flowers: wind-pollinated, insect-pollinated, and bird-pollinated. (6 marks) List two specific adaptations of each type. (4 marks)

Answer Key Summary

Pollination Answer Script

SECTION A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

b) Androecium
c) Anther
d) Stigma
b) Anther to stigma
b) From anther to stigma of the same flower or same plant
c) Different plants of same species
c) Pea
b) Filament
c) Both male and female organs
b) Imperfect flowers
b) Gynoecium
b) Style
d) Ovary
b) External agents
d) Roots
b) Bisexual flower
d) Unisexual flowers
c) Ovary
b) Cross-pollination
b) Apple
c) Anther
b) Support anther
b) Bisexual flowers
b) Cross-pollination
b) Pollination
b) Bisexual
b) Ovules
c) Carpel
b) Self-pollination
b) Cross-pollination
c) Stigma
b) Cross-pollinating plant
b) Anther and filament
c) Unisexual flowers
b) Genetic diversity
b) Self-pollination
b) Bisexual
b) Bisexual flower
c) Unisexual flowers
a) Wind, water, animals
c) Stigma
b) Lower genetic diversity
b) Pollen grains
b) It can occur within the same flower
b) Male parts collectively
c) Fertilization and seed formation
c) Different plants of same species
c) Filament
c) Both self and cross-pollination
b) Possibility of self-pollination
b) Self-pollination
c) Ovary
c) Style
a) Pollinators
b) Catching and holding pollen
b) Pollinators are scarce
c) Ovules
b) Fertilization
c) Reduced genetic variation
c) Light, dry pollen
c) Bright colors and fragrance
b) Fertilization
c) Both male and female flowers on same plant
b) Male and female flowers on different plants
b) Male gamete
b) Germinates on stigma
b) Pollen tube
c) Sexual reproduction
b) Stigma, style, and ovary
c) Genetic diversity
b) Self-pollination
b) Male flowers
b) Fruit
c) Entomophily
b) Anemophily
c) Anther
c) Ovule
b) Self-pollination only
a) Dichogamy
c) Ornithophily
c) Nectar
b) Human intervention
a) Self-compatibility
b) Hydrophily
b) Anthesis
b) Haploid
b) Embryo sac
b) Pollen grain
b) Angiosperms
b) Endosperm
a) Continuity of species
c) Genetic recombination
b) Light, dry pollen
c) Ovary wall
b) Fertilization
c) Dehiscence
b) Inbreeding depression
b) Petals
b) Pollen tube formation
b) Reproduction and food production

SECTION B: Short Answer Questions

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower.
The male reproductive part of a flower is called the stamen.
The anther produces and releases pollen grains.
The stigma is the sticky part of the female reproductive organ.
The style connects the stigma to the ovary.
Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen from anther to stigma of the same flower or plant.
Examples: Pea and Wheat.
Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of a flower on a different plant of the same species.
Wind, insects, and water are three agents of cross-pollination.
Bisexual flowers contain both male (stamens) and female (carpels) organs.
Example: Hibiscus.
Unisexual flowers have either male or female organs, but not both.
Example: Papaya.
The collective term for all stamens is androecium.
The collective term for all carpels is gynoecium.
Ovules are located in the ovary.
Seeds develop from ovules after fertilization.
The stalk that supports the anther is called filament.
Another name for bisexual flowers is perfect flowers.
Another name for unisexual flowers is imperfect flowers.
The anther produces pollen grains.
The main function of the stigma is to receive and hold pollen.
Example: Sunflower.
Cross-pollination promotes genetic diversity.
Two characteristics of wind-pollinated flowers: small, inconspicuous flowers; light, dry pollen.
Two characteristics of insect-pollinated flowers: brightly colored petals; fragrant.
Advantage of self-pollination: Ensures seed production when pollinators are scarce.
Disadvantage of self-pollination: Less genetic variation.
Advantage of cross-pollination: Increases genetic diversity.
Nectar is the reward flowers offer to animal pollinators.
Artificial pollination is the transfer of pollen by humans to breed plants or ensure seed set.
The process of pollen release from anthers is called dehiscence.
Cucumber has unisexual flowers.
Rose has bisexual flowers.
The ovary swells to form fruit.
Scientific term for male flowers: staminate flowers.
Scientific term for female flowers: pistillate flowers.
The tube formed by germinating pollen is called pollen tube.
Pollination must happen before fertilization can occur.
The main purpose of pollination is sexual reproduction in plants.
Bisexual flowers can undergo both self and cross-pollination.
Unisexual flowers prevent self-pollination by having only one sex organ.
Example of dioecious plant: Papaya.
Example of monoecious plant: Maize.
Ploidy of pollen grains: haploid.
Entomophily is pollination by insects.
Anemophily is pollination by wind.
Hydrophily is pollination by water.
After fertilization, the ovary develops into fruit.
Pollination increases biodiversity by promoting genetic variation.

SECTION C: Short Answer Questions (2 Marks Each)

A stamen consists of an anther and a filament. The anther produces pollen grains containing male gametes, and the filament supports the anther to elevate it for effective pollen dispersal.
A carpel consists of stigma, style, and ovary. Stigma receives pollen, style supports stigma and allows pollen tube growth, and ovary contains ovules that develop into seeds after fertilization.
Self-pollination: Pollen from anther to stigma of the same flower (e.g., pea). Cross-pollination: Pollen transferred to another plant's flower of the same species (e.g., sunflower).
Bisexual flowers have both sex organs (e.g., hibiscus), unisexual flowers have only one (e.g., papaya). Bisexual flowers can self or cross-pollinate; unisexual flowers require cross-pollination.
Cross-pollination mixes genes from different plants, increasing genetic diversity and giving better adaptation and survival chances to the next generation.
Pollination begins with pollen release from anther, transfer to stigma by agents, pollen germinates, pollen tube grows to ovary, and fertilization occurs.
Adaptations of wind-pollinated flowers: Light, dry pollen; exposed stamens and stigmas; feathery stigmas for catching pollen. These help efficient pollen transfer by wind.
Adaptations of insect-pollinated flowers: Bright colors and strong fragrance attract insects; sticky pollen for easy transport; nectar as a reward ensures repeated visits.
Advantages: Ensures seed set in absence of pollinators, preserves parental traits. Disadvantages: Less genetic diversity, increased risk of diseases.
Advantages: Promotes genetic diversity, adaptation. Disadvantages: Depends on pollinators, energy costly.
Wind, water, insects, birds transfer pollen from one flower to another, enabling cross-pollination and gene mixing.
Pollination forms fruits and seeds, ensuring crop production and food for humans and animals.
Perfect (bisexual) flowers have both stamen and carpel; imperfect (unisexual) flowers have only one.
After pollen lands on stigma, it germinates forming a pollen tube down the style and delivers sperm to ovule.
Flowers with bright colors, nectar attract animals; light pollen and exposed stigmas suit wind pollination. Structure aligns with pollination type.
Pollination is vital for crop yields (e.g., apples via bees), honey production, fiber plant seeds, and ecosystem health.
Unisexuality prevents self-pollination, promoting genetic diversity by forcing cross-pollination.
Monoecious plants (maize) have both flower types on one plant; dioecious (papaya) have male and female flowers on separate plants.
Nectar attracts pollinators, encourages them to visit, ensuring effective pollen transfer.
Pollination results in genetic variation, driving evolution by natural selection and adaptation.
Pollinators: Insects (bees, butterflies), birds (hummingbirds), bats, wind, water. Each has unique foraging behavior aiding pollination.
Pollination syndrome is a set of floral adaptations for attracting certain pollinators (e.g., color, scent, nectar).
Humans assist by hand pollination, using brushes or tools to transfer pollen, useful in plant breeding and agriculture.
Failed pollination leads to reduced seed and fruit set, lower crop yield, decline of plant population.
Season affects pollinator activity and flowering times; synchronized timing ensures effective pollination and seed set.

SECTION D: Long Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

- Diagram of bisexual flower:
- Labeled: Anther, Filament, Stigma, Style, Ovary, Ovule, Petal, Sepal.
- Functions:
  - Anther: Produces pollen.
  - Filament: Supports anther.
  - Stigma: Receives pollen.
  - Style: Pollen tube passage.
  - Ovary: Contains ovules; becomes fruit.
  - Ovule: Becomes seed after fertilization.
  - Petal: Attracts pollinators.
  - Sepal: Protects flower bud.

Pathway of pollen: Pollen released from anther → lands on stigma → grows pollen tube down style → enters ovule in ovary for fertilization.

- Pollination starts with pollen release from anther. Pollinators or wind transfer pollen to stigma. Pollen grain germinates and forms a tube down the style, reaching ovule. Sperm travels through the tube, merges with egg cell, forming zygote. Post-fertilization, ovule develops into seed, ovary becomes fruit.
- Self-pollination (e.g., pea): within same flower or plant, ensures seed production but less diversity. Cross-pollination (e.g., sunflower): between different plants, increases diversity. Evolutionarily, self-pollination is stable in harsh or isolated conditions, cross-pollination gives greater adaptability.
- Agents: wind, insects, birds, water, bats. Wind-pollinated flowers are small with light pollen; insect-pollinated are colorful and scented; bird-pollinated produce abundant nectar and vivid colors; water-pollinated plants have floating pollen. Each adaptation ensures efficient pollen transfer.
- Pollination promotes gene mixing, species survival, and adapts plant populations to environmental changes. Pollinator decline leads to lower biodiversity, poor ecosystem stability, reduced food security, and plant extinctions.
- Androecium (male): anther and filament, makes pollen. Gynoecium (female): stigma, style, ovary. If both are together (bisexual), enables self and cross-pollination; if separate, encourages cross-pollination.
- Pollination is vital for food (fruits, vegetables), fibers (cotton), and survival of wild plants. Many crops (apples—bees, rice—wind) depend on specific types. Both ecological and human economies rely on it.
- Pollination syndrome describes floral traits for pollinator type: wind—small, no nectar; insects—bright, sweet; birds—tubular, red, nectar. Each advancement matches the pollinator's ability.
- Bisexual flowers are efficient in self-pollination but less diverse, ideal for stable habitats. Unisexual prevent selfing, force cross-pollination, increasing diversity, and suit dynamic environments.
- Flowers and pollinators mutually adapt (co-evolve): bees fit into tubular flowers; birds like trumpet-shaped, red flowers; figs with specific wasps. Such specialization improves pollination success but increases dependency.
- Artificial pollination is done by humans using tools to transfer pollen, essential in controlled breeding, improving crops/hybrids, or when natural pollinators are absent. Used in producing seedless fruits and hybrid crops.
- Pollination success depends on flower structure, pollinator availability, weather, and timing. Extreme weather or habitat loss can disrupt, lowering seed/fruit set.
- Scientists examine petal color, pollen type, scent, flower shape to predict pollination method: e.g., flat, scented attracts bees, large exposed stigmas fit wind pollination.
- Timing is crucial: anther releases pollen (dehiscence); stigma is ready (receptivity); pollinators are active. Coordinated timing ensures pollination is effective.
- Pollination biology aids conservation efforts; understanding plant-pollinator relationships helps protect endangered species and maintain ecosystems.

SECTION E: Diagram-Based Questions

Draw and label diagrams as instructed. Below are the descriptions for the diagrams and answers to explanatory parts:

- Diagram of a complete bisexual flower in longitudinal section.

Label: Anther, Filament, Stigma, Style, Ovary, Ovule, Petal, Sepal.
Pathway Explanation: Pollen moves from anther → stigma → style (via pollen tube) → ovary → ovule for fertilization.

- Diagrams of self- vs. cross-pollination; arrows show pollen transfer.

Self-pollination advantages: Assured seed set, pure traits.
Cross-pollination advantages: Genetic diversity, resistance to diseases.

- Draw male (anther + filament) and female (stigma, style, ovary, ovule) reproductive parts separately, label;

Functions: Anther—makes pollen, Filament—supports anther; Stigma—receives pollen, Style—pollen tube path, Ovary—holds ovules, Ovule—becomes seed.

- Flowchart steps: Pollen release → Transfer → Landing on stigma → Pollen germination → Pollen tube growth → Fertilization → Seed formation.

Brief explanations accompany each step.

- Draw wind-, insect-, bird-pollinated flowers.

Wind: Exposed anthers/stigmas, light pollen.
Insect: Bright color, nectar guides.
Bird: Tubular shape, sturdy structure.

The Pollination