Question 16 (B)

Annie was conducting research on the number of fruits produced by watermelon under different conditions.  She grew 25 watermelon plants each in both glass house A and B. She introduced pollinators in glass house A only. 
(i) What difference will she observe in the number of fruits produced in the two glass houses? Explain with reason.
(ii) List 3 changes that will occur in a flower once it gets fertilized.

 

Answer:

(i)

• Observation: More fruits will be produced in glass house A than in glass house B.

• Reason: Fruits are formed only after pollination and fertilization.
  In glass house A, pollinators help in pollination, which leads to fertilization and fruit formation.
  In glass house B, due to absence of pollinators, pollination and fertilization will not occur, hence fewer or no fruits will be produced.

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(ii)

Changes in a flower after fertilization:

1. The zygote develops into an embryo inside the seed.

2. The ovule develops into a seed.

3. The ovary develops into a fruit, while other floral parts (petals, sepals, stamens) wither and fall off.