Anther and Filament of a Stamen

The anther and filament are the two parts of the stamen. The anther contains the male reproductive cell, pollen, and the filament holds the anther.

The anthers and filaments are very prominent on this flower. The parts of one stamen are labelled.

Pollen

A powdery substance that is produced in the anther of a flower or in a male cone. Pollen is made up microscopic grains, each of which contains a male gamete. 

The anthers of this flower produce the pollen. In order for fertilization to occur, the pollen must be transported to the stigma.

Exoskeleton

A hard encasement on the surface of an animal that provides protection and points of attachment for muscles.

The exoskeletons of crayfish allow the crustaceans to move and provide protection from predators .

Modified Root of a Plant

The roots of many plants have adapted to provide better support for the plant or to better obtain and store nutrients.

Sweet potatoes are examples of roots that store nutrients. The plant can use the stored water and nutrients if conditions become unfavorable.

Cuticle Layer of a Plant

A waxy covering on the surface of leaves and stems that prevents terrestrial plants from becoming too dry.

The waxy covering of the leaves can be easily seen on this plant. All above-ground parts of the plant are covered by the cuticle in order to prevent water loss. Openings in the leaves, called stomata, open and close to allow CO2 and oxygen to be exchanged between the environment and the plant.

C4 Plant

In C4 plants, the Calvin cycle is proceeded by reactions that fix carbon from CO2 into a four-carbon sugar.

Corn is a an example C4 plant. C4 plants are more efficient than C3 plants and have adapted to high daytime temperature and intense sunlight.

Population

A localized group of individuals of the same species that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

This wasp nest is home to a population of wasps.