Edexcel iGCSE Biology-4.3 Structures and Adaptations for Pollination of flower- Study Notes- New Syllabus
Edexcel iGCSE Biology-4.3 Structures and Adaptations for Pollination of flower- Study Notes- New syllabus
Edexcel iGCSE Biology-4.3 Structures and Adaptations for Pollination of flower- Study Notes -Edexcel iGCSE Biology – per latest Syllabus.
Key Concepts:
4.3 describe the structures of an insect-pollinated and a wind-pollinated flower and explain how each is adapted for pollination
Pollination in Flowers
🌱 Introduction
Pollination = Transfer of pollen grains from anther → stigma of a flower.
Two main modes: Insect-pollinated (by insects) and Wind-pollinated (by air).
🐝 Insect-Pollinated Flowers
- Petals: Large, brightly coloured → attract insects
- Nectar & Scent: Present → lures insects
- Pollen grains: Few, sticky/spiky → cling to insect bodies
- Anthers: Inside flower → pollen rubs onto insects
- Stigma: Sticky, inside → receives pollen from insects
- Flower arrangement: Medium/large, separate
- Examples: Hibiscus, Sunflower, Rose
🍃 Wind-Pollinated Flowers
- Petals: Small, green/dull → not attractive
- Nectar & Scent: Absent
- Pollen grains: Numerous, small, light, smooth → carried by wind
- Anthers: Large, outside, loosely attached → shake freely in wind
- Stigma: Large, feathery, outside → traps pollen
- Flower arrangement: Small, often clustered
- Examples: Maize, Grass, Wheat
📊 Comparison Table
| Feature | Insect-Pollinated | Wind-Pollinated |
|---|---|---|
| Petals | Large, colourful, scented | Small, dull, no scent |
| Nectar | Present | Absent |
| Pollen grains | Few, sticky/spiky, larger | Numerous, small, light, smooth |
| Anthers | Inside flower, firm | Large, outside, loosely attached |
| Stigma | Inside, sticky | Large, feathery, outside |
| Flower size/arrangement | Medium/large, separate | Small, clustered |
| Pollination efficiency | Less wasteful (targeted) | More wasteful (random spread) |
🎯 Quick Recap
– Insect-pollinated → Big, colourful, scented flowers; sticky pollen; nectar; insects carry pollen.
– Wind-pollinated → Small, dull flowers; light pollen; exposed anthers; feathery stigma; wind spreads pollen.
– Key difference → Insects = targeted & efficient, Wind = random & wasteful.
– Tip mnemonic: Insect = “Attract + Stick” ; Wind = “Light + Loose + Feathery”