Question

"Pollination can occur without fertilization, but fertilization cannot occur without pollination." Justify this statement.

Hint:

Pollination is the gateway to fertilization in flowering plants — one can happen without the other, but not vice versa.

Answer 1

Justification:
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from anther to stigma. It may or may not be followed by fertilization.
Fertilization is the fusion of male and female gametes, which can only happen if pollination has already taken place.
Thus, pollination is a necessary condition for fertilization, but pollination alone does not guarantee fertilization.