Compare the structural features of pollen grains from insect-pollinated flowers with those from wind-pollinated flowers.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 16.3 Sexual reproduction in plants · Compare · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Insect‑pollinated pollen grains are larger and heavier, with spikes or hooks on their surface to attach to insects, whereas wind‑pollinated grains are smaller, lighter and smooth, allowing them to be carried by air. Wind‑pollinated plants also produce far more pollen grains than insect‑pollinated plants.

Examiner tips

Use the word ‘larger/heavier’ for insect‑pollinated and ‘smaller/lighter’ for wind‑pollinated. Mention spikes/hook vs smooth surface. Include the point about quantity of pollen. Keep answer concise to fit 4 marks.

Common mistakes

Confusing the direction of comparison (e.g. saying wind pollen is larger).
Omitting the surface feature (spikes/hook) or the quantity difference.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Insect-pollinated pollen grains are larger / heavier than wind-pollinated pollen grains
Insect-pollinated pollen grains have spikes or hooks on their surface, whereas wind-pollinated grains do not / are smooth
Wind-pollinated plants produce a greater number of pollen grains than insect-pollinated plants
Wind-pollinated pollen grains are lighter / smaller, allowing them to be carried by the wind more easily, whereas insect-pollinated grains are adapted to stick to insects

Key terms in this question

pollen grain · insect-pollinated flower