Describe the mechanisms which limit inbreeding in plants.
- In some plants, the stigma matures before the anther so that it gets ripe before the anther is able to produce mature pollen grains. Thus for pollination to occur in such a flower, mature pollen grains must be obtained from another flower of the same species. This condition is called polygyny.
- The anther may mature before the stigma such that they wither before the stigma is mature to successfully receive the mature grains. Thus, for pollination to occur pollen grains must be obtained from another flower. This condition is called protandry.
- Possession of brightly colored petals that attract insects. Insects move from one flower of a plant to another flower of the same species carrying pollen grains with them. In so doing, they cross-pollinate the flowers and pollinating them.
- Production of nectar to attract insects to pollinate the flower.
- They are usually diurnal flowers and open before fertilization has occurred. This give chance to pollen grains from another flower to pollinate it.
- Some plants have pistil and stamen on different plant bodies (dioecious condition) therefore pollen grains have to be transferred from one plant to pollinate the male flower on another plant.
- Self-incompatibility. In some plants, even when self-pollination occurs, the pollen grain does not develop, so preventing the chances of self-fertilization.
CATEGORIES Bio Questions and answers
TAGS Dr. Bbosa Science
