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How Cross-Pollination Creates Genetic Variety — Reading Comprehension

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MS-LS3-1
MS-LS3-2

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This NGSS-aligned reading passage for middle school explains the process and importance of cross-pollination in plants. It describes how pollen moves from one plant to another, often with the help of animals or wind, to fertilize flowers and create offspring with a mix of traits. The passage compares cross-pollination to self-pollination, highlighting how the former results in greater genetic diversity, which supports plant survival and adaptation. Students will also learn how cross-pollination is used in farming to breed stronger, more useful crops. This passage supports MS-LS3-2 by illustrating how sexual reproduction creates variation in living organisms.

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Cross-pollination is a type of sexual reproduction in flowering plants. It happens when pollen from the flower of one plant is transferred to the stigma of a flower on a different plant of the same species. This exchange of genetic material creates genetic variation in the offspring, meaning that the new plants may look or behave differently from their parent plants.

In nature, cross-pollination often relies on outside help. Animals like bees, butterflies, and birds carry pollen between plants as they search for nectar. The wind can also move pollen from one plant to another. This mixing of genes allows plants to combine traits in new ways. For example, one plant may have resistance to disease, and another may grow quickly. Through cross-pollination, their offspring might inherit both of these useful traits.

Cross-pollination is different from self-pollination, where a plant uses its own pollen. Self-pollination produces offspring that are very similar to the parent. Cross-pollination, on the other hand, brings together two sets of genetic instructions. This process increases the chances of survival in changing environments by creating more genetic diversity.

Farmers and plant breeders often use cross-pollination to develop crops with desired traits. By carefully selecting which plants are crossed, they can produce fruits and vegetables that are tastier, more colorful, or able to survive in different climates.

Fun Fact: Apples are the result of cross-pollination, which is why seeds from the same apple can grow into trees with very different kinds of fruit!

What is cross-pollination?

Pollen moves within the same flowerPollen from one plant to anotherPollen is removed by wind onlyAsexual plant reproduction

What part of the flower receives pollen?

LeafPetalStigmaStem

What helps move pollen between flowers?

MoonlightRocksInsects and windRoots and soil

How does cross-pollination affect offspring?

No new traitsCreates identical clonesAdds varietyStops reproduction

What is one benefit of cross-pollination?

Makes plants all the sameHelps create genetic diversityKeeps crops from growingPrevents seed formation

What is a main difference between cross- and self-pollination?

Cross-pollination uses waterSelf-pollination needs beesCross-pollination mixes genes from two plantsSelf-pollination creates new species