Clever Ways Plants Reproduce
In Clever Ways Plants Reproduce, narrator Sir David Attenborough explains how flowers are amazing problem-solvers when it comes to pollination! In sunny fields of France, sunflowers use nectar to lure insects, which help spread pollen from flower to flower. But in the icy winds of Cradle Mountain, the honey bush protects its delicate parts by fusing its petals, leaving only strong birds to break through and help with pollination. Depending on its environment, flowers are problem-solvers when it comes to reproducing! This video is excerpted from BBC's Life, a show that explores the remarkable strategies animals and plants use to ensure their survival.
Lesson Express
Q: Why do sunflowers follow the Sun, and how does this help with pollination?
A: Sunflowers follow the Sun because the warmth speeds up nectar production. This attracts more pollinators, ensuring they visit and carry pollen from one flower to another.
Q: What challenges might flowers in colder climates face, and how do they overcome them?
A: Flowers in colder climates face damage from extreme weather, such as Arctic winds. To overcome this, they develop protective adaptations, like fused petals, to shield delicate parts. They also rely on strong pollinators, like birds during brief periods of favorable weather.
Q: How do the the color, shape, and scent of flowers help with pollination?
A: The color, shape, and scent of flowers attract pollinators like insects and birds. These features make the flowers irresistible, encouraging pollinators to visit and help spread pollen between flowers.