Experimental Question Analysis

  Our data showed us that based on the pollen species we looked at there was no clear distinction between the perennial and annual flowers pollen.  Our hypothesis was that the perennials would have a greater quantity of pollen than the annuals.  However our data and experiment didn't allow us to see this part, the pollen was not visible enough on the actual plant to get an idea.  When viewing the pollen on the stub there seemed to be a similar amount with all the samples.  Our other prediction was that the perennials would have a different structure or appearance than the annual.  However, this was was not supported in our findings, all of the pollen grains had a different surface appearance and shape.  The two that had the closest texture were the Winter Pansy (annual) and Red Tulip (perennial), but the surface textures were only similar not the same.  When we looked into our plants further we found that the Alstromeria and the Red Tulip (perennials) shared a distant ancestor with the Winter Pansy (annual) supporting our hypothesis that annuals and perennials are very different.  We found this data by creating a protein phylogenetic tree based on the rubisco protein.  This means that based on the experiment we conducted, based on appearance, we were not able to make any conclusions, and we did not have enough evidence to support our hypothesis.