Plant Biology

Flowers
Learning Objectives: In class today, we will begin to discuss the reproductive structures of the
worlds most diverse plant group: the angiosperms, or flowering plants. The major concepts to
take away from class today are:
1. Flowers evolved from existing plant structures (e.g., leaves, spores, etc.).
2. Flowers are highly variable, and make excellent characters for identification.
Directions: Use the figures and space provided to make notes on the topics discussed in class.
Answer the questions in the spaces provided. The purpose of this portion of the exercise is to
focus your attention on the most important aspects of todays lesson.
The Plant Life Cycle
Draw a diagram of the lifecycle of an idealized angiosperm.

Flower Morphology

Figure 1. External characteristics of a generalized flower.

1. List and describe the four whorls which make up a flower.

2. Define each of the following terms:

Complete flower Perfect flower Imperfect flower Monoecious Dioecious -

Figure 2. Specialized flowers of American beech (Fagus grandifolia Fagaceae).

Which of the above terms best describes these flower types?

Figure 3. Patterns of floral symmetry.

3. Flowers considered to be irregular have what type(s) of symmetry?

Figure 4. Types of infloresences.

4. What is the difference between a flower and an inflorescence?

ASSIGNMENT (10 pts)

1. Flower dissection
a. Obtain an Alstromeria flower, single-edged razor blade, and drawing paper.
b. Using the razor blade, carefully and completely cut the flower in half longitudinally.
c. Draw as large a diagram as space permits of the dissected flower, paying special attention
to the internal anatomy (see figure 2).
d. Label each of the following structures:
1. pistil (stigma, style, ovary, ovules)
2. stamen (anther, filament)
3. corolla (petals)
4. calyx (sepals)
5. receptacle
6. pedicel
e. Your diagrams will be graded on:
1. Accuracy is your diagram technically correct with all important structures
illustrated? (2 pts)
2. Completeness is your diagram formatted and labeled correctly? (2 pts)
3. Presentation is your diagram neat and clearly displayed? (1 pts)