Life Cycles of Flowering Plants

The life cycle of a flowering plant begins with a seed. When the root pushes downward into the soil and the stem grows upward towards the sunlight, this first stage of growth is called:

• Pollination

• Germination

• Seed dispersal

A plant grows leaves and stems after germination. Later, buds appear and eventually open into flowers. What is the main purpose of the flowers in the life cycle of plants?

• To make food through photosynthesis

• To produce seeds for the next generation

• To provide shade for the plant

Some plants produce seeds inside fruits such as apples, while others like strawberries have seeds on the outside. What do both of these examples show us about seeds?

• Seeds can only grow if hidden inside the fruit

•  Seeds can be found in different parts of the fruit depending on the plant

• Only fruits with seeds inside can grow into new plants

Not all flowering plants are brightly colored. Grass plants, for example, produce flowers that are not showy. What is the main reason grass flowers do not need to be colorful?

• They do not want to attract animals

• They are pollinated by wind instead of insects

• They already have fruits growing on them

The male part of the flower is called the stamen. Which of the following correctly describes the function of the anther, which is found at the tip of the stamen?

• It produces pollen grains that are needed for reproduction

• It collects nectar to attract bees and butterflies
  
  

• It connects the stigma to the ovary

The female reproductive part of the flower is called the pistil. Which part of the pistil is sticky and helps capture pollen grains during pollination?

• Ovary

• Stigma

• Filament

The ovary of a flower contains ovules. What important event happens inside the ovules after pollination and fertilization?

• The ovary changes color

• Seeds are formed

• Nectar is produced

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma. Which of the following best explains why pollination is important to plants?

• It allows plants to compete with each other

• It is necessary for the production of fruits and seeds

• It makes flowers colorful and attractive

When pollen from the anther of a flower lands on the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant, the process is called:

• Cross-pollination

• Self-pollination

• Artificial pollination

If a bee lands on a flower to sip nectar and pollen grains stick to its body, then the bee flies to another flower and drops pollen on the stigma, what type of pollination has occurred?

• Wind pollination

• Self-pollination

• Cross-pollination