What evidence have you discovered to explain how plants, such as the purple tansy, find mates and spread seeds?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Plants, including the purple tansy (Tanacetum parthenium), use several mechanisms to find mates and spread seeds. The process involves both pollination (for reproduction) and seed dispersal (for spreading offspring). Here’s an explanation of how this works:
Pollination (Finding Mates)
Purple tansy, like many flowering plants, relies on pollinators for reproduction. The plant produces flowers that attract pollinators, typically insects such as bees, butterflies, and flies. These insects are drawn to the plant by its color, scent, and nectar. When they visit the flowers for nectar, they inadvertently collect pollen from the male part (anther) of the flower. As they move to another flower to collect more nectar, they transfer the pollen to the female part (stigma) of the flower, facilitating fertilization. This process is called cross-pollination, as it involves the transfer of pollen between flowers of the same species.
Pollination in plants like purple tansy ensures genetic diversity, which is crucial for the adaptability and survival of the species. The pollinators help plants find mates by transferring pollen across different individuals, creating a higher chance of successful fertilization.
Seed Dispersal (Spreading Seeds)
After pollination, purple tansy produces seeds that need to be dispersed to new locations for growth. Purple tansy, like many plants, uses wind and animals as primary dispersal agents. The seeds of purple tansy are equipped with light, feathery structures that allow them to be carried by the wind over long distances. This is an example of anemochory (wind dispersal).
Additionally, purple tansy seeds can attach to animals or humans, facilitating zoocory (animal-assisted dispersal). Seeds may stick to the fur or feathers of animals and be carried to different areas, where they can eventually drop and germinate.
In summary, purple tansy uses a combination of pollination by insects to find mates and wind or animal-assisted dispersal to spread its seeds, ensuring the species’ continuation and adaptability.