The flower structure contains the plant's reproductive organs, and its function is to produce seeds through reproduction. For the higher plants, seeds are the next generation, and serve as the primary means by which individuals of a species are dispersed across the landscape. After fertilization, portions of the flower develop into a fruit containing the seeds. Many flowers in nature have evolved to attract animals to pollinate the flower, the movements of the pollinating agent contributing to the opportunity for genetic recombination within a dispersed plant population.
2. You’ve probably already spotted hoardsYou’ve probably already spotted hoards
of Peeps at your grocery store, so grabof Peeps at your grocery store, so grab
a few boxes and turn them into ediblea few boxes and turn them into edible
centerpieces. They’ll decorate yourcenterpieces. They’ll decorate your
table before your meal and delight thetable before your meal and delight the
kids at dessert. Tiered trays are thekids at dessert. Tiered trays are the
perfect vehicle for a DIY Peep display.perfect vehicle for a DIY Peep display.
Ring your marshmallows around theRing your marshmallows around the
dish, and place a small bowl ofdish, and place a small bowl of
additional candies in the center.additional candies in the center.
3. Plants normally flower in response to seasonal changes,Plants normally flower in response to seasonal changes,
such as those associated with the end of winter orsuch as those associated with the end of winter or
beginning of spring. Scientists have now identified abeginning of spring. Scientists have now identified a
signaling pathway that allows plantssignaling pathway that allows plants
4. In four months, when flower buds spring up from theIn four months, when flower buds spring up from the
ground, you may wonder how plants know it's time toground, you may wonder how plants know it's time to
bloom. This question has baffled plant biologists for years.bloom. This question has baffled plant biologists for years.
5. Scientists have uncovered a new piece in theScientists have uncovered a new piece in the
puzzle about why some plants flower inpuzzle about why some plants flower in
spring/autumn and some in summer.spring/autumn and some in summer.
6. The mystery that is the origin of flowering plantsThe mystery that is the origin of flowering plants
has been partially solved thanks to a team ofhas been partially solved thanks to a team of
scientists. Their discovery sheds light on ascientists. Their discovery sheds light on a
7. Many plants produce toxic chemicals to protect themselvesMany plants produce toxic chemicals to protect themselves
against plant-eating animals, and many flowering plantsagainst plant-eating animals, and many flowering plants
have evolved flower structures that prevent pollinators suchhave evolved flower structures that prevent pollinators such
as bees from taking too.as bees from taking too.
8. Scientists have discovered why the first buds of spring comeScientists have discovered why the first buds of spring come
increasingly earlier as the climate changes. As the climate changes theincreasingly earlier as the climate changes. As the climate changes the
sweet spot for seeds comes earlier in the year, so first flowers.sweet spot for seeds comes earlier in the year, so first flowers.
9. Evolution uses every chance it gets to try something new.Evolution uses every chance it gets to try something new.
Researchers have now investigated how petunia flowers are formedResearchers have now investigated how petunia flowers are formed
and discovered that nature is even more varied than the naked eye canand discovered that nature is even more varied than the naked eye can
spot.spot.
10. In the long, dark days of winter, gardeners are known toIn the long, dark days of winter, gardeners are known to
count the days until spring. Now, scientists have learned,count the days until spring. Now, scientists have learned,
some plants do exactly the same .some plants do exactly the same .
11. The flower structure contains the plant's reproductive organs, and its function isThe flower structure contains the plant's reproductive organs, and its function is
to produce seeds through reproduction. For the higher plants, seeds are theto produce seeds through reproduction. For the higher plants, seeds are the
next generation, and serve as the primary means by which individuals of anext generation, and serve as the primary means by which individuals of a
species are dispersed across the landscape. After fertilization, portions of thespecies are dispersed across the landscape. After fertilization, portions of the
flower develop into a fruit containing the seeds.flower develop into a fruit containing the seeds.
