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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Pollination and Seed Dispersal Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your understanding of plant reproduction: from pollination through to seed dispersal.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Compare insect-pollinated and wind-pollinated flowers by stating two features of each.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Insect-pollinated: large colourful petals to attract insects; produce nectar and scent.
    2. Insect-pollinated: sticky or spiky pollen grains that attach to insects.
    3. Wind-pollinated: small, dull petals (or none); no scent or nectar.
    4. Wind-pollinated: light, smooth, abundant pollen; feathery stigma to catch pollen from the air.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Distinguish between self-pollination and cross-pollination. State one advantage of cross-pollination.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Self-pollination: pollen transfers from anther to stigma of the same flower (or same plant).
    2. Cross-pollination: pollen transfers from anther of one plant to stigma of another plant of the same species.
    3. Advantage of cross-pollination: produces genetic variation: offspring may be better adapted.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Describe the process of fertilisation in a flowering plant, from pollen landing on the stigma to the formation of a seed.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Pollen grain lands on the stigma and grows a pollen tube down through the style.
    2. The tube reaches the ovule in the ovary.
    3. The male nucleus travels down the pollen tube and fuses with the female nucleus in the ovule: this is fertilisation.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Define pollination.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma.
    2. Of a flower of the same species.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    State three methods of seed dispersal and give one example for each.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Wind dispersal: e.g. Dandelion (parachute) or sycamore (wing).
    2. Animal dispersal: e.g. Burdock (hooks attach to fur) or berry fruits (eaten, seeds pass through gut).
    3. Self-dispersal (explosive mechanism): e.g. Pea pods dry out and split, flinging seeds away.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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