Define the term pollination. Differentiate between self pollination and cross pollination. What is the significance of pollination?
Answer:
The transfer of pollen grains from the anther of a stamen to the stigma of a carpel is called pollination.
Self Pollination |
Cross Pollination |
When the pollen grains from the anther of a flower is transferred to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant, it is called self pollination. |
When the pollen grains from the anther of a flower on a plant is transferred to the stigma of a flower on a similar plant, it is called cross pollination. |
It does not require any external agents. |
It involves external agents like wind, water and insects. |
Does not lead to variations. |
Leads to variations. |
Pollination is significant as it helps in fertilisation by transferring the male gamete closer to the female gamete.