Question

Which of the following roles do animals play in the life cycle of plants?

a. They act as pollinators
b. They asset in dispersal of seeds
c. They promote fertilization
d. They contribute to the genetic diversity of plants
e. All of the above

Answer 1

Animals play crucial roles in the life cycle of plants by acting as pollinators, assisting in the dispersal of seeds, and contributing to the plants' genetic diversity. They facilitate essential processes like pollination and seed transport, ensuring plant species' survival and ecological balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The roles that animals play in the life cycle of plants are multifaceted. They not only act as pollinators, which is technically the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma, but they also assist in seed dispersal and contribute to genetic diversity of plants.

• Pollination is a critical step in the reproduction of flowering plants and is primarily carried out by animals like bees, birds, and butterflies among others.
• Animals also actively transport seeds either by consuming fruits and later depositing the seeds elsewhere or by carrying them 'passively,' where seeds stick to their fur and are transported as they move.
• Through these interactions, animals contribute to the genetic diversity within plant populations, as seeds are spread to various locations and the resulting offspring may possess diverse genetic combinations.

Through these mechanisms, animals play indispensable roles in not just the perpetuation of plants, but in the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystems.