Reproduction in Plants
1. Fill in the blanks:
(a) Production of new individuals from the vegetative part of parent is called_____________.
Ans: vegetative propagation.
(b) A flower may have either male or female reproductive parts. Such a flower is called_____________.
Ans: unisexual flower.
(c) The transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of the same or of another flower of the same kind is known as
_____________.
Ans: pollination.
(d) The fusion of male and female gametes is termed as _____________.
Wind: Many plants produce tiny, lightweight seeds equipped with parachutes, wings, or feathery appendages that help them catch the breeze and travel long distances. Examples of wind-dispersed seeds include dandelions, maples, and milkweed.
Gravity: This is a simple but effective method for dispersal. Acorns, coconuts, and other heavy fruits simply fall to the ground below the parent plant. Some fruits may even roll a bit further away, increasing dispersal distance. In some cases, fallen fruits might be carried by animals or water, further spreading the seeds.
Ballistic Dispersal: Some plants, like witch hazel and squirting cucumber, have fruits that explode when ripe, forcibly launching their seeds through the air. This can propel seeds surprising distances away from the parent plant.
Water: Plants that live near water, like mangroves and coconut palms, often have seeds that are buoyant and can float long distances in rivers, oceans, and currents. A tough outer coat protects the seed from water damage during its journey.
Animals: Many plants produce fruits that are attractive to animals, such as birds, squirrels, and mammals. These fruits often have a fleshy, sugary outer layer that entices animals to eat them. The seeds inside the fruit usually pass unharmed through the animal's digestive system and are deposited in a new location along with a bit of fertilizer in the form of droppings. Some seeds, like burs, have hooks or sticky parts that attach themselves to animal fur and get carried away.
- (a) Bud - (vi) Rose
- (b) Eyes - (v) Potato
- (c) Fragmentation - (ii) Spirogyra
- (d) Wings - (i) Maple
- (e) Spores - (iv) Bread mould
- Infection Risk: Cutting cacti can introduce pathogens to the wounded areas, increasing the risk of rot and disease.
- Compatibility Issues: Different cacti have varying needs for sunlight, water, and soil composition. Grouping them together might not provide optimal conditions for all.
- Slow Growth: Propagating cacti from cuttings is a slow process, and some varieties might not take root at all.
Here's a better approach to create your cactus garden:
- Choose Individual Pots: Opt for separate pots for each cactus. This allows you to tailor the soil mix, watering schedule, and sunlight exposure to their specific needs.
- Buy Established Cacti: Visit a nursery or garden center and purchase healthy, established cacti of your choice. This is a quicker way to get your garden started.
- Propagation Through Seeds or Offsets: If you're keen on propagation, consider starting from seeds or pups (offsets) produced by existing cacti. This requires more time and knowledge but can be rewarding.
Visit a Fruit Market:
- Head to a local fruit market in Guwahati. Some options include:
- Fancy Bazaar
- Pan Bazar
- Uzan Bazar
Collect Fruits:
- Ask the vendors about seasonal fruits grown in Assam. Here are some possibilities based on the current season (March):
- Guava (Modhuri) - Look for pinkish varieties.
- Jackfruit (Kothal) - Ask for a small, ripe one for easier handling.
- Papaya (Papita) - Choose one that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
- Pineapple (Matikothal) - Pick a fragrant one with green, spiky leaves.
- Bananas (Kol) - Select firm but ripe bananas.
- You can also include tomatoes and cucumbers (Aalu Tenga and Sasa) for comparison.
Draw the Fruits:
- Take some time to sketch each fruit you collected. Capture their shapes, colors, and any unique features on the skin.
Examine the Seeds:
- Carefully cut open each fruit (except maybe the banana) and observe the seeds. Note their size, number, color, and location within the fruit.
Look for Special Characteristics:
- As you examine the fruits and seeds, see if you can find anything interesting:
- Does the fruit have a unique aroma or taste?
- Is there a particular way the seeds are arranged?
- Does the fruit have a hard pit or soft flesh surrounding the seeds?
Learn More at the Library:
- Visit a local library and search for books on Assamese fruits or Indian fruits in general. You can also find information online, but be sure the sources are reputable. Here are some things to look for:
- Botanical information about the fruits you collected.
- How these fruits are grown and harvested in Assam.
- Traditional uses of the fruits in Assamese cuisine or medicine.
Additional Tips:
- Take notes throughout your exploration to document your observations.
- If possible, take pictures of the fruits and seeds for reference later.
- Be mindful when using a knife to cut fruits. Ask an adult for help if needed.
This project is a great way to learn about the local produce of Guwahati and appreciate the diversity of fruits grown in the region. Have fun exploring!
