Question

What is pollination? Differentiate between self-pollination and cross-pollination.

Hint:

Think about where the pollen is transferred in self and cross pollination.

Answer 1

Pollination is the process of transferring pollen grains from the anther (male part) to the stigma (female part) of a flower for fertilization.
1. Self-pollination: The transfer of pollen occurs within the same flower or between flowers of the same plant. It requires less effort but results in less genetic diversity. 
2. Cross-pollination: The transfer of pollen occurs between flowers of different plants of the same species. It promotes genetic diversity and results in healthier plants. 

Key Difference: Self-pollination involves the same plant, while cross-pollination requires different plants.