Question

Insect pollinated flowers usually possess
A. Sticky pollens with a rough surface
B. A large number of pollens
C. Brightly colored pollens
D. Dry pollens with a smooth surface

Answer 1

Hint: Pollination refers to the transfer of pollen grains shed from the anther of the male flower to the stigma of a pistil. For example, bees carry away pollen grains with them when they visit any flower.

Complete answer:
Flowering plants possess an interesting variety of mechanisms to achieve pollination. Insect pollinated flowers usually possess sticky pollen with a rough surface.
Insect pollinated flowers are pollinated by various agents such as insects (e.g. bees, wasps, ants, beetles, moth, butterflies), birds (e.g. sunbird, hummingbird), and animals (e.g. bats) to pollinate their flowers, i.e. carry pollen from the anther to reach the stigma.

Insect pollinated flowers possess the following characteristics:
- In order to attract insects, the flowers are large with brightly colored petals. They are usually sweet-smelling or fragrant with the presence of nectar.
- Stigmas are usually compact, small, and do not swirl out of the flower.
- Stamens are located within the interiors of the flower itself so that when the pollinators brush against the anther, pollen can stick on their backs.
- Nectar glands are present to guide the pollinators towards the nectar.

So, the correct answer is ‘Sticky pollens with a rough surface'.

Note:
- When the flowers are small, they cluster together to form an inflorescence that is visible from a distance.
- The flowers pollinated by flies and beetles secrete foul odors in order to attract these animals.
- The flowers provide rewards to the animals to attract them. Nectar and pollen grains are the usual floral reward.