Specialized bird perch aids cross-pollination

Article Abstract:

The curious sterile inflorescence axis of the South-African Cape endemic 'rat's tail' plant, whose function is exclusively to provide a perch for foraging birds is investigated. The findings indicate that this structure promotes plant's mating a success where the malachite sunbird (Nectarinia famosa) its pollinator to adopt a position ideal for the cross pollination of ground level flowers.

Science & research, South Africa, Behavior, Sunbirds, Iridaceae

---

Mating cost of large floral displays in hemaphrodite plants

Article Abstract:

A study of daily inflorescences in hermaphrodite plants reveals that an increase in inflorescence size causes low outcrossing and greater selfing in these plants. Self-pollination through geitonogamy reduces the extent of pollen discounting and lowers the rate of outcrossing. This causes a decrease in mating in large flowered plants.

Flowers, Plant morphology, Hermaphroditism

---

Successful invasion of a floral market

Article Abstract:

Researchers have proved that invasive plants not only compete with native species for water, light, space and nutrients, but they also tempt attract more pollinators with their rich nectar. The Asian plant Impatiens glandulifera is used as an example.

Environmental aspects, Native plants, Plant introduction, Impatiens

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: An early Cretaceous bird from Spain and its implications for the evolution of avian flight. The first 85 million years of avian evolution
• Abstracts: Magnetic exchange force microscopy with atomic resolution. Same old magnetism
• Abstracts: Structural basis for the function and inhibition of an influenza virus proton channel. The mechanism by which influenza A virus nucleoprotein forms oligomers and binds RNA
• Abstracts: Letter from Gabon. Whale of a fish tale. Destination Gabon
• Abstracts: Effects of transmitters on reproduction and survival of wild mallards. Wetland selection by mallard broods in Canada's Prairie-Parklands

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.