Many plant species are hermaphroditic, meaning they contain

both male and female parts. Flower reproduction is sexual

reproduction
Cross pollination promotes genetic variation and
therefore evolution.

Self pollination of plants is possible as many are

hermaphrodites. This is an extreme example of
inbreeding. Inbreeding is know to decrease genetic
variation, increase genetic disorders and decrease
survival probability. Plants have developed methods to
increase the chances of cross pollination and decrease
self pollination.

Strategy(promoting cross-pollination)
 Using an outside agent to disperse pollen. Eg. Wind, insect, water
pollen dispersal

Separation of anthers and stigmas/ovaries into different flowers on

the same plant

Separation of anthers and stigmas/ovaries into different flowers on

different plants

Anthers and stigmas maturing at different times on the same plant

Alongside methods to promote cross pollination, plants also

have self-incompatibility mechanism to increase genetic
variation.

If pollen fallens on the own plants stigma, in many plants,

nothing happens, with the pollen either failing to germinate or
the pollen tube is incomplete as it is recognised by the plant as
genetically identical. This prevents inbreeding and is self-
incompatibility.

*scar, food storage

Seed dispersal is the movement of seeds far from the
parent plant. It reduces competition between offspring
and parent and helps spread the species.

Type of dispersal depends on the structure of the fruit:

● Dry and explosive
● Fleshy and sweet for animals to eat
● Feathery or winged to catch the wind
● Covered in hooks/barbs to catch the coats of
animals