Pollination

Pollination

Transferring pollen from anther to a stigma

• facilitate sexual reproduction

Cross-Pollination

Stigma of plant A receiving pollen from plant B. 

• Two flowers from Two plants

Types of Cross-Pollination

1. Zoophily

2. Anemophily

Zoophily

pollination by animals

Anemophily

Pollination by wind

- Common in grasses, conifers, and some trees. 

- Pollen is lightweight and produced in large quantities.

Pollinator

include insects (entomophily), birds (ornithophily), bats (chiropterophily), and other animals

Distinct Traits

attract and facilitate interaction with animal pollinators.

Distinct Traits List

1. Bright Colors 

2. Large or Showy Structure 

3. Fragrance 

4. Nectar Production- to reward pollinator 

5. Flower Shape and Structure 

6. Timing of Blooming 

Self-pollination

stigma of a plant receives pollen from the same plant

Self-Pollination About

• From the same flower (perfect flower), 

• From another flower on the same plant (monoecious plant).

• Involves one plant.

Self-Pollination Advantage

• Useful when a plant is isolated

• pass on genes before dying, 

• species persist in that location. 

Self-Incompatibility

• genetic mechanism in flowering plants 

• prevents self-pollination and self-fertilization

• Male (anthers) and female (stigmas) reproductive organs present in same flower.  

Why prevent self-pollination if a plant has both male and female parts?

1. Maintains Genetic Diversity

2. Reduces Inbreeding Depression

1. Maintains Genetic Diversity

• Encourages cross-pollination

• Increases variation for adaptation and natural selection

2. Reduces Inbreeding Depression

• Avoids harmful mutations

• Improves fitness and disease resistance