Experimental Question Analysis

We were able to obtain sufficient data to accurately answer our scientific question. We did this with the Scanning Electron Microscope and a special Leica microscope equipped with a camera. Our data shows that there are different shapes and sizes incorporated in the designs of pollen. For example, the pollen from a rose has a poliplicate structure, and this is because they need to be able to reproduce more easily. The pollen of the indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora) is harder to determine. Based on our sample, the pollen might not even have a pore. This changes based on how they reproduce, where their habitat is, and other factors. Our pictures show that when you move to a different environment, the pollen shape and size tends to change. One thing we had trouble with was obtaining and placing the pollen samples for viewing in the SEM. A little more practice would have been nice, because there is always room for improvement. However, we were able to quantify and collate the data we obtained in a way that allowed us to accurately answer our question. When a plant species lives in a certain environment, that environment influences how the pollen looks. A possible error that could have occurred is that while indian pipe and roses reproduce with pollen, sword ferns do not. They use sexual reproduction, which we were not aware of at the front end of our experiment.