How would you compare and contrast pollination and fertilization in conifers (pine trees) and flowering plants (angiosperm)?

Answer and Explanation:

Two types of vascular plants, flowering plants, called angiosperms and conifers called gymnosperms reproduce by making seeds. However, they vary in how these seeds are produced:

1. Seed type      

Conifer: naked seeds, not encased within fruit Flowering plant: seeds encased within fruit which develop from ovaries

2. Sex Organs

Conifer: produce male and female strobili. Male strobili contain pollen while female strobili contain the eggs; together they are needed to form the seed Flowering plant: Sex organs are contained within blossoms, which may be sexually dimorphic or strictly male or female. Male organs are stamens (made up of the anthers that contain pollen and the supporting filament). Female organs are pistils (made up of the ovule containing ovaries, the stigma that catches pollen and the tube-like style).

3. Pollination

Flowering plants utilize several mechanisms for the pollination of flowers. Insects such as bees, and other animals like birds are used as a means of transmitting pollen; they are typically attracted by brightly colored blooms,scents and producing nectaries. Wind dispersal is another mechanism also used by conifers. Conifers have small flaps that help  the seeds to drift on the wind for dispersal.

4. Fertilization

This process occurs when the egg and pollen meet. In flowering plants, this occurs when the pollen grain reaches the ovary and ovule which develops into a seed. In conifers, seeds develop in the female cone.