Write the differences between wind-pollinated and insect-pollinated flowers. Give an example of each type.

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S.No Wind pollinated flowers Insect pollinated flowers
1. Pollen grains are light and non-sticky so that they can be transported in wind currents. The flowers are large, colourful, fragrant and rich in nectar.
2.  They possess well exposed stamens so that the pollen grains are easily dispersed into wind currents and large feathery stigma to easily trap air-borne pollen grains. Wind-pollinated flowers often have a single ovule in each ovary and numerous flowers packed into an inflorescence. A number of flowers are clustered into an inflorescence. The flowers pollinated by flies and beetles secrete foul odours to attract these animals.

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S. No. Wind-pollinated flowers Insect-pollinated flowers
(i) These produce large numbers of pollen grains. These produce less number of pollen grains.
(ii) These are dull, nectarless and scentless. These are bright, scented and have nectar.
(iii) Stamens are long and protrude above petals. Stamens lie within the corolla tube.
(iv) The pollen grains are dry, light, small and smooth.
For example, ragweed.
The pollen grains are larger, heavier with appendages like hooks and barbs.
For example, rose, sweet pea.

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