2. Imagine you have two flowers, one insect pollinated and one bird pollinated. Use the flowers, or pictures of flowers to prepare a new table to compare the two. 3. Explain briefly why most flowers have pollen that ripens before the female structure is ripe. 4. Describe two features that show how some birds are adapted to be effective pollinators of flowers. 5. (10) Describe two features that show how some insects are adapted to be effective pollinators of flowers. olen

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## 2. Comparison Table of Insect-Pollinated vs. Bird-Pollinated Flowers

| **Characteristic**           | **Insect-Pollinated Flower**                                                                                                                                                                                                | **Bird-Pollinated Flower**                                                                                                                                                       |
|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Color**                    | Often brightly colored (e.g., yellow, blue, purple) and may emit strong fragrances to attract insects.                                                                                                                     | Frequently brightly colored as well (notably red or orange) but usually with little to no scent, since birds rely more on vision than on smell.                               |
| **Shape and Structure**      | Usually have open, flat, or bowl-shaped structures that provide a landing platform for insects.                                                                                                                              | Typically tubular or elongated with sturdy structures that do not require landing (e.g., hovering by hummingbirds).                                                               |
| **Nectar Production**        | Produces nectar in shallow, easily accessible areas appropriate for short tongues of many insects.                                                                                                                            | Produces large quantities of nectar in locations that match the long beaks and tongues of bird pollinators.                                                                       |
| **Pollination Mechanism**    | Insects, such as bees or butterflies, brush against the reproductive parts of the flower while foraging, transferring pollen with the help of body hairs.                                                                   | Birds, such as hummingbirds, insert their long beaks into the flower, and pollen is transferred when their head or throat contacts the flower’s reproductive structures.     |
| **Scent**                    | Often have a strong, appealing fragrance that aids in attracting insect pollinators.                                                                                                                                          | Generally lack strong fragrances because birds have a less developed sense of smell.                                                                                          |

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## 3. Why Most Flowers Have Pollen That Ripens Before the Female Structure Is Ripe

The phenomenon where the pollen matures first is known as **protandry**. This temporal separation helps prevent **self-pollination** by ensuring that male and female reproductive phases do not overlap significantly. As a result, the flower decreases the chance of inbreeding and increases opportunities for genetic diversity through cross-pollination. In other words, by having pollen that ripens before the female structure is receptive, the plant enhances the likelihood that pollen will be transferred between different flowers.

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## 4. Two Features Showing How Some Birds Are Adapted to Be Effective Pollinators of Flowers

1. **Specialized Beak Structure**: Many bird pollinators, such as hummingbirds, have long, slender, and often slightly curved beaks that are perfectly adapted to reach deep into tubular flowers. This specialization ensures that while the bird is feeding on nectar, its head comes into direct contact with the flower’s reproductive structures, facilitating pollen transfer.

2. **Brush-Tipped Tongues**: Some birds have tongues equipped with fine, hair-like structures or grooves that help them efficiently gather nectar from flowers. The structure of their tongues not only allows them to lap up nectar quickly but also aids in picking up pollen, which subsequently adheres to other flowers as the bird moves.

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## 5. Two Features Showing How Some Insects Are Adapted to Be Effective Pollinators of Flowers

1. **Hairy Bodies**: Many insect pollinators, such as bees, have bodies covered with fine hairs. These hairs trap pollen grains as the insect moves from flower to flower. The adherence of pollen to the insect’s body increases the chances that pollen will be transferred to the stigma of another flower, enabling cross-pollination.

2. **Specialized Mouthparts**: Insects like butterflies and moths have proboscises adapted for sucking nectar. These elongated mouthparts allow the insects to access nectar deep within flowers, ensuring they come into contact with pollen during feeding. This adaptation not only provides nutrition but also facilitates effective pollen transfer between flowers.
**Comparison of Insect-Pollinated and Bird-Pollinated Flowers** | **Characteristic** | **Insect-Pollinated Flower** | **Bird-Pollinated Flower** | |------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Color** | Brightly colored (e.g., yellow, blue, purple) with strong scents. | Brightly colored (e.g., red, orange) with little to no scent. | | **Shape and Structure** | Open, flat, or bowl-shaped for insect landing. | Tubular or elongated without landing platforms. | | **Nectar Production** | Produces nectar in shallow areas for insects. | Produces nectar in deep areas for bird tongues. | | **Pollination Mechanism** | Insects brush against reproductive parts while foraging. | Birds insert beaks into flowers, transferring pollen. | | **Scent** | Strong fragrances to attract insects. | No strong scents since birds rely on vision. | --- **Why Pollen Ripe Before Female Structure:** Flowers have pollen that ripens first to prevent self-pollination and increase genetic diversity by ensuring cross-pollination occurs between different flowers. --- **Bird Pollinator Adaptations:** 1. **Long, Curved Beaks:** Perfectly shaped to reach deep into tubular flowers, aiding in nectar feeding and pollen transfer. 2. **Brush-Tipped Tongues:** Fine hairs or grooves on tongues help gather and hold nectar, also trapping pollen. --- **Insect Pollinator Adaptations:** 1. **Hairy Bodies:** Fine hairs trap pollen, ensuring it's transferred between flowers. 2. **Specialized Mouthparts:** Long, tube-like proboscises allow insects to access deep nectar and contact pollen.

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