Angiosperms such as grasses, oaks, and maples are wind pollinated. The ancestors of these subgroups were probably pollinated by insects, however. As an adaptive advantage, why might a species 'revert' to wind pollination? (Hint: Think about the costs and benefits of being pollinated by insects versus wind.) Why is it logical to observe that wind-pollinated species usually grow in dense stands containing many individuals of the same species? Why is it logical to observe that in wind-pollinated deciduous trees, flowers form very early in spring—before leaves form?

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1. Consider the costs and benefits of insect versus wind pollination. Insect pollination often requires plants to produce nectar and large, colorful flowers to attract insects, which can be energetically costly. Wind pollination eliminates the need for these attractants and can be more energy-efficient.
2. Analyze why wind pollination might be advantageous in certain environments. In areas where insect populations are low or unpredictable, relying on insects for pollination can be risky. Wind pollination can provide a more reliable method for fertilization in such conditions.
3. Reflect on the advantage of wind-pollinated species growing in dense stands. When plants are close together, the chances of pollen being successfully transferred between individuals via wind increases, enhancing reproductive success.
4. Examine the timing of flower development in wind-pollinated deciduous trees. By producing flowers before leaves, trees minimize the obstruction for pollen dispersal by wind. Leaves can create a barrier that disrupts wind flow and pollen travel, so early flowering increases pollination efficiency.
5. Understand the evolutionary implications. The shift from insect to wind pollination might represent an adaptive response to changing environmental conditions or ecological niches. This shift allows species to maximize their reproductive success under different circumstances.