Plant Reproduction

Flowers and Pollinators

Some flowers may have bright colors. Others may have strong scents. Some may have sweet nectar. All these traits help to attract animals. Why do you think it is important to attract animals? Animals are able to carry around pollen from one plant to another. The animals they attract may include insects, birds, mammals, and even reptiles. While visiting a flower, an animal picks up pollen from the anthers. The animal then travels to another flower. While there, some of the pollen brushes off on the stigma. This allows cross-pollination. By spreading pollen to different plants, it helps increase plant diversity.

ck12 image of Brightly colored fruits attract animals that may disperse their seeds. It’s hard to miss the bright red apples on these trees.
Brightly colored fruits attract animals that may disperse their seeds. It’s hard to miss the bright red apples on these trees.