The World of the Flowers

Marília Silva

Hannah Griggs

Writing Practice

07.04.2014

The World of the Flowers

            When we talk about flowers most people simply associate it with beauty and decor. However, flowers have an important role in the biosphere. The flower is the reproductive organ of most plants. As a result of flowers, we may have a fruit. According to Richard Primack, author of "Relationship Among Flowers, Fruits, and Seed", it is the ovary of the flower that develops into the fruit.

            The plants that produce flowers are called angiosperms. The flower is responsible for reproduction in this kind of plant. The female part of the flower is called pistil and produces the ovum, the female gamete. On the other hand, the male part is called stamen and produces pollen grains, or male gametes. These reproductive parts of the flower are surrounded by petals and sepals, called verticils protectors. Plant reproduction occurs when the ovum is fertilized by the pollen grain. After fertilization, seed formation is going to happen inside flower's ovarian, and then the ovarian will develop into the fruit.

            Fertilization happens if the pollen grain is deposited inside the ovarian. For this to happen, it is necessary that the plant be pollinated: "Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the stamen, or male part of a flower, to the  pistil, or female part of a flower" (Lerner, 1). There are many agents of pollination, such as water, wind, and animals, but the majority of pollinators are insects. This pollinators carry pollen from stamen of one flower to pistil of the other flower.

            Each species of angiosperms has an unique flower. It means that each flower has a specific design, color, size, and scent. These particular features of flowers are not a coincidence or simply there to beautify the environment. It has a purpose. Flowers have  specific features to attract pollinators. When animals carry pollen to another flower, it is not on purpose. They are looking for food, nectar, or oils, then they accidentally get pollen. When they go to take food in another flower, the pollen is deposited on this other flower. Then flowers need to attract pollinators, as a result they use their colors and scent as strategies to get the pollinators attention.

            Each species of flower has its specific pollinators according with its characteristics. For example, flowers that have bright colors like red, yellow, and blue, tubular shape and faint scent are usually pollinated by butterflies. On the other hand, flowers that are big and have light colors such as light yellow or white, and have strong odor are usually pollinated by bats. Another example of pollinators are bees. Bees pollinate flashy flowers that are yellow, blue, purple, and have a sweet smell.

            The relationship between flowers and animals is part of a combined evolution. Conforming to Nicholas Waser from University of California, "the flowers of each species are adapted in shape, structure, color, and odor to the particular pollinating agents on which they depend... Evolving together, the plants and their efficient pollinator in spite of relatively high species density" (qtd. in Waser 1044). This specific relationship is important to the plants. It can ensure that an animal that feeds on a species of plant and takes pollen from its flower will go to another plant from the same species and then will deposit the pollen in it. In short, the fertilization can be guaranteed.

            After pollination and fertilization of the ovum, the seed will be develop inside the flower's ovarian. Then the flower will lose its petals and sepals, and the ovarian will be developed into a fruit that surrounds the seed. After, the fruit will be consumed and the seed will be planted. This is a cycle. It means that when this seed germinates, and a new plant grows and starts to develop flowers, the cycle begins again.

            The flowering plants are the most abundant plants in the world. According to Professor Stevens from University of Missouri, angiosperms represent approximately 80 percent of all the known plants now living. These plants are indispensable to keep the ecological equilibrium of earth. Angiosperms also contribute to provide the oxygen supply to the aerobic organisms, like animals and humans beings. In addition, these plants are important sources of food for humans and other organisms. Paul Berry from University of Michigan argues that "the flowering plants are the most economically important group of plants, serving as a source of pharmaceuticals, fibre products, timber, ornamentals, and other commercial products" (Berry).

            Since the flowers are responsible for angiosperms reproduction, they are essential to the biosphere and humanity. The role of flower in the environment is so important that human life is totally dependent on it. In conclusion, besides flowers being associated with romance and beauty, they have a fundamental role in the environment and in human society.

 Works Cited

 Berry, Paul. Angiosperms. Encyclopedia Britanica. 13 January 2014.  Web. 04 April             2014. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/24667/angiosperm/73095/Si gnificance-to-humans>.

Lerner, Rosie. "Pollination of Fruits and Nuts". Purdue University Cooperative   Extension Service. December 2002. Web. 02 April 2014.   <http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/ho-174.pdf>.

Primack, Richard. "Relationship among flowers, fruit, and seeds". Annual Review of      Ecology and Systematics. 1987. Web. 02 April 2014.    <http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2097138?uid=3739688&uid=2134&uid =2480864093&uid=2&uid=70&uid=3&uid=2480864083&uid=3739256&uid=6            0&sid=21103962384123>.

Waser, Nicholas. "Generalization in Pollination Systems, and why it Matters."  Ecological Society of America. 1986. Web. 01 April 2014.    <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/24667/angiosperm/73095/Signific   ance-to-humans>.