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RESEARCH ARTICLE   (Open Access)
Contents Vol 3 (1)

The Complete Life Cycle of Flowering Plants: Germination, Growth, Reproduction, Pollination, and Seed Dispersal in Angiosperms

Beatrice Atieno Otieno 1, Davis Bwire Namiripo 1*

+ Author Affiliations

Australian Herbal Insight 3 (1) 1-5 https://doi.org/10.25163/ahi.319924

Submitted: 22 September 2020 Revised: 24 November 2020  Published: 26 November 2020 

Abstract

Background: Flowering plants (angiosperms) are among the most diverse plant groups, playing a critical role in ecosystems and agriculture. Understanding their life cycle, from germination to seed dispersal, provides key insights into plant reproduction and survival strategies. Methods: This study investigates the life cycle of flowering plants through germination experiments, observations of growth phases, pollination processes, and seed development. Laboratory and field studies were conducted, using various plant species to capture a broad representation of flowering plant stages. Controlled environments were used to ensure the consistency of experimental results. Results: The results showed significant variation in the time it takes different species to progress through the stages of germination, flowering, pollination, and seed production. In particular, pollination efficiency was found to depend heavily on environmental conditions, including the presence of specific pollinators. Seed dispersal strategies ranged from wind to animal-mediated mechanisms, illustrating the adaptability of flowering plants. Conclusion: The study confirmed that the life cycle of flowering plants is highly adaptable, with various species exhibiting unique strategies to ensure reproductive success and survival. Environmental factors play a crucial role in the success of each life stage. These insights have implications for agriculture, conservation, and understanding plant biodiversity.

Keywords: angiosperms, flowering plants, pollination, seed dispersal, germination, reproduction

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