pollination
Definition
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma. Pollen grains contain male sex cells, and when they land on the stigma, they can fertilise the flower and create seeds. Seeds then grow into new plants.
There are two main types of pollination: self-pollination and cross-pollination.
Self-pollination is when pollen from the male anthers of a flower fertilises the female stigma of the same flower. This is the most common type of pollination in plants.
Cross-pollination is when pollen from the male anthers of one flower fertilises the female stigma of another flower. This type of pollination requires the help of a pollinator, such as an insect or bird.
Pollinators are animals that help to transfer pollen from one flower to another. They do this by picking up pollen on their bodies when they visit a flower to feed on nectar or pollen. When the pollinator visits another flower, it leaves some of the pollen from the first flower behind. This pollen can then fertilise the second flower.
There are many different types of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, birds, and bats. Each type of pollinator has its own unique way of transferring pollen. For example, bees use their hairy bodies to collect pollen, while butterflies use their long tongues to sip nectar.
Pollination is an important process for plants because it is how they reproduce. Without pollination, plants would not be able to create seeds and grow new plants. Pollinators also play an important role in the environment by helping to pollinate crops and wildflowers.
How can the word be used?
The pollination of flowers is essential for plant reproduction.
Different forms of the word
Noun: the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organs of a plant to the female reproductive organs.
Verb: to pollinate (a plant) with pollen.
Adjective: relating to pollination.
Adverb: in the form of pollination.
Etymology
The word "pollination" comes from the Latin word "pollinatio", which means "the act of pollinating". The word "pollinatio" is made up of the words "pollen" and "atio", which means "action".
The first recorded use of the word "pollination" in English was in the 1740s.
Question
What is pollination?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define pollination and explain the roles of wind and animal pollinators in this process. Provide examples of plants that are wind-pollinated and those that rely on animal pollinators. Discuss the advantages of each pollination strategy for these plants.
Answer:
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive structures (anthers) of a flower to the female reproductive structures (stigmas) of another flower, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds.
Wind and animal pollinators are the two primary methods of pollination. Wind-pollinated plants, like grasses and many trees, produce large quantities of lightweight pollen that is carried by the wind to neighbouring plants. They often lack showy flowers and instead, invest in producing ample pollen for increased chances of pollination.
Animal-pollinated plants, such as most flowering plants, rely on animals like insects, birds, and mammals to transfer pollen. They typically have colourful, scented flowers and nectar rewards that attract pollinators. Insects inadvertently pick up and deliver pollen as they feed on nectar, promoting cross-pollination between different plants.
Wind pollination is advantageous in open environments where the wind can carry pollen over long distances. However, it's less precise and requires producing a vast amount of pollen. Animal pollination, on the other hand, ensures targeted pollen transfer, allowing for better control over fertilization. The attraction of pollinators can also enhance genetic diversity through cross-pollination.