Exact tracking of pollen transfer and mating in plants
Article Abstract:
A study was conducted of hawkmoth-mediated reproduction in the orchid, Aerangis ellisii. A new technique using microtags was developed to allow tracking the pollinia of individual plants. Pollen transfers were infrequent and concentrated within a five-meter radius. The pattern of successful transfers suggests that the mediators are an important factor in selecting plant pairs for reproduction. This is consistent with proposals made by Darwin. The microtag technique may prove useful in plant evolution research.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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Pollen transfer on birds' tongues
Article Abstract:
A new study investigates the relationship between the lesser double-collared sunbird, Nectarinia chalybea, and the South African milkweed, Microloma sagittatum. The milkweed flowers supplies parcels of pollen which are transferred to the tip of the sunbird's tongue as it searches for nectar for onward transmission to other flowers. Previous studies have assumed that the milkweed is insect pollinated because sunbirds appear to lack suitable sites for pollen attachment.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Cross-pollination
Article Abstract:
Plants enlarge the size and genetic diversity of the pollen load through multiple pollinations, a process which has an adaptive value similar to what female adders obtain through multiple mating. Pollen performance and success of progeny may be strongly associated in a way that may be analogous to mate selection and survival of offspring among animals. Botanists and zoologists should pursue joint research on these questions.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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