PRACTICAL NO.

Aim: To study the adaptations in flowers for pollination by different agents (wind, insects &
birds)
A. Maize flowers [Wind Pollinated Flowers – Anemophily]
Identifying Features:
1. The flowers are small, inconspicuous.
2. Flowers are colourless, odourless and nectarless.
3. Anthers and stigmas are commonly exerted (project out of the flower).
4. Pollen grains are light, small, powdery and produced in large numbers.
5. The stigmas are large, sometimes feathery and branched adapted to catch the pollens.
6. The pollen grains are produced in very large numbers.

B. Salvia flower [Insect Pollinated Flowers – Entemophily]

Identifying Features:
1. The flowers are showy, brightly coloured and scented for attracting pollinating insects.
2. The flowers produce nectar or edible pollen.
3. The flowers have landing platform for the insects.
4. Anthers and stigmas are commonly inserted (remain inside the flower).
5. Stigmas are usually unbranched and flat or lobed.
C. Hibiscus Flower [Bird Pollinated Flower – Ornithophily]
Identifying Features:
1. The flowers pollinated by birds are strong
2. They are adapted to allow the birds to stay near the flowers without their wings getting
entangled in them.
3. The flowers are tubular and curved that facilitates nectar-sucking by birds.
4. The flowers are odourless.
5. Flowers have intense and deep colours like yellow, orange, red etc., that plays an important
role in attracting the birds.
6. Flowers produce a lot of nectar.
5. While sucking nectar, the pollen gets deposited on their beaks and neck and is transferred
to the plant they visit next.
7. Pollen grains are sticky.