7.03 Reproduction of Plants

Hi! I'm Dr. Ramie's assistant, Kioko. I have been asked to be your activity director for the day.

So what do you think of project S.Mi.L.E.? We're doing some pretty amazing work here, don't you think?

The research you have assisted with over the past few days is quite important. I understand that you've participated in one of most important aspects of the project—investigating plant structures. That's a great start, but there is so much more! Take a look.

Over here in Section B, we have one of the world's largest orchid garden, not in number of plants, but in the variety of the orchid types we are growing here. Come, take a look.

In this activity, you will: identify the different parts of a flower and their function define pollination describe the adaptation of flowers and their significance to plant reproduction The Honors student will: define alternation of generations and its importance to the survival of plant species identify the basic stages of alternation of generations

Orchids belong to a group of plants called angiosperms, the flowering plants, and are quite beautiful. They have bright colors and some have sweet smells. Flowers, like you see here in the orchid room, are special organs that plants use to help attract insects, like bees and butterflies, and other animals that might be interested in their nectar.

Why would a flower need to attract an insect? Well ...

Flowering plants need the insects, or another animals, to help them reproduce.

Reproduction is a life process that is required in order for a plant species to continue and not head into extinction. Because plants can't move they're dependent on natural events to help them make more plants.

Continue to the BioVenture tab to see how that works!