Question

Contrast the structure of pollen grains in Phylum Coniferophyta and Phylum Anthophyta, and relate their differing structures to how pollination is accomplished in most members of each phylum.

Answer 1

Conifers belong to Gymnosperms. They produce pollen in male cones. The pollen is lightweight and can easily be carried by the wind. It does not contain special structures. Male cones also do not produce nectar to attract insects or other pollinating agents. The site of pollen reception is usually wet. The pollination is hydrophilous.

Anthophytes = Angiosperms.

Angiosperm pollen shows huge variation in structure and size. They also have special structures on exine which help them in pollination. Pollen is carried by multiple pollinating agents such as insects, birds, and animals. Pollen can also be carried by wind and water. Insect pollinated pollen is sticky. Pollen falls on the receptive stigma and germinates to produce a pollen tube. Stigma can be unbranched or highly branched.