Pollination

Definition

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male anther to the female stigma of a flower. This process is essential for the fertilization and subsequent development of seeds in seed plants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pollination can occur through biotic agents like insects, birds, and bats or abiotic agents such as wind and water.
2. Self-pollination occurs when pollen from the same plant fertilizes its own ovules, while cross-pollination requires transfer between different plants.
3. The structure and color of flowers often adapt to attract specific pollinators, facilitating efficient pollen transfer.
4. Double fertilization in angiosperms involves one sperm cell fertilizing the egg cell, forming a zygote, while another sperm cell fuses with two polar nuclei to form endosperm.
5. Pollinator declines due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change significantly impact pollination efficiency and crop yields.

Review Questions

• What are the primary differences between self-pollination and cross-pollination?
• How do flowers adapt their structures to attract specific pollinators?
• What roles do biotic and abiotic factors play in the process of pollination?

Related terms

Fertilization: The union of male and female gametes resulting in the formation of a zygote.

Anther: The part of a stamen that produces pollen.

Stigma: The part of a pistil where pollen germinates.