Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Pollination is the process by which pollen grains are transferred from the male reproductive organ (anther) to the female reproductive organ (stigma) of a flower, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds.
Related terms
Nectar: Nectar is a sweet liquid produced by flowers as a reward for pollinators. It attracts them and encourages them to visit different flowers.
Cross-pollination: Cross-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred between flowers of different plants. This promotes genetic diversity in plant populations.
Wind pollination: Some plants rely on wind to carry their pollen from one flower to another instead of relying on animals. Examples include grasses and many trees.