What biological purpose does the tassle on top of a stalk of corn serve?

Question

Specifically, what does it do to further the production of the ears of corn or the life of the cornstalk?

Answer 1

The tassel is where the pollen of the corn plant is located - without it you would have no corn to eat from the plant.  The pollen in corn is spread by the wind to the silk hairs - there is one silk hair for each kernel of corn that develops.