Asexual and Sexual Reproduction of
Flowering Plants
Field Work and Practical Assignment
Year 11 Biology
Introduction
This assignment covers two tasks. Firstly to carry out field work at the Botanic Gardens to learn about process of
plant reproduction and the reproductive organs of plants especially flowering plants. Secondly to dissect a variety of
flowering plants in the science class room that have been collected at the Gardens.
After carrying out this field and practical work you will prepare a report covering both tasks, also answering the set
questions listed below and completing a dissection work sheet
You will work in pairs for these tasks – however you will need to hand in individual reports within 2 weeks of the
field trip.
Aims
To conduct field and practical work which will enable you to:
1. Explain the processes of sexual and asexual reproduction of plants by examining a wide variety of plants in
the field
2. Draw conclusions about the means of pollination and reproduction of a variety of plants by carefully
examining, photographing and drawing the reproductive structures of these plants in the field and
subsequently in the classroom
The Field Trip
You will need:
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Digital camera
Magnifying glass
Sketch pads and note pads
Pencils/pens
Methods
You will work in pairs.
1. Move around the Gardens examining plants and their flowers, looking for examples of sexual and asexual
reproduction (maybe look for blubs or rhizomes that can be seen on the surface of the soil). Take photos of
the most interesting specimens which demonstrate the different forms of reproduction
2. Chose two (or more) very different plants/flowers and draw and label their flowers and reproductive organs.
Make notes about how you think these flowers would be pollinated. Take photos of these plants.
3. Look for different types of seeds – take photos of these and make notes on how you thin the seeds may be
dispersed and why you have come to this conclusion.
4. Looks for flowers with inferior and superior ovaries. Select 1 flower of each type that you would like to
dissect in the class room ( but do not pick them!). Note on your map where these photos are located , what
they look like and thier names ( if you know them).
5. Meet at the picnic tables by 3 pm to write up your notes and discuss what you have found.
Results
Drawings and photos
Draw and label in your field books - 2 different types of flowers and their female and male reproductive parts.
These drawings can either be cut and pasted onto your assignment, scanned in or redrawn.
In your report you should also include at least 3 photos of the more interesting flowers and plants you have seen and
discuss these in question 6.
Discussion
Answer the following questions when writing up Part 1 of your assignment:
1. How do the reproductive organs of your two drawn flowers differ?
2. How might these differences assist with reproduction?
3. What are the main reproductive organs you have identified? What role does each of these play in
reproduction?
4. How might each of your flowers be pollinated? Explain why you think so.
5. How does sexual reproduction benefit the survival of certain species of plants?
6. What are some of the differences in plant reproductive structures evident in you sample photos? Why do
you think there such a wide variety of flower shapes, colours etc.
7. What forms of asexual reproduction did you see at the gardens?
8. What are the benefits of asexual reproduction?
9. Describe some of the different types of seeds you found and their distinguishing features. How might the
features assist with seed dispersal? Explain
Part 2 of your assignment will be the write up of your flower dissection work to take place in the classroom next
lesson.