Question

What is pollination? Write a note on the types of pollination of plants.

Hint:

Self-pollination ensures purity of traits, while cross-pollination ensures genetic diversity.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition.
Pollination is the process of transfer of pollen grains from the anther (male reproductive part) to the stigma (female reproductive part) of a flower. It is a prerequisite for fertilization in flowering plants.

Step 2: Types of Pollination.
Pollination is of two main types: \[\begin{array}{rl} 1. & \text{Self-pollination (Autogamy): Transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.} \\ \bullet & \text{Advantages: Ensures seed production when pollinators are absent.} \\ \bullet & \text{Disadvantages: Reduces genetic diversity.} \\ 2. & \text{Cross-pollination (Allogamy): Transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on a different plant of the same species.} \\ \bullet & \text{Advantages: Promotes genetic variation, adaptability, and hybrid vigor.} \\ \bullet & \text{Disadvantages: Depends on external agents (wind, insects, water).} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Agents of Pollination.
Cross-pollination may occur through: \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Abiotic agents: Wind (anemophily), Water (hydrophily).} \\ \bullet & \text{Biotic agents: Insects (entomophily), Birds (ornithophily), Bats (chiropterophily), etc.} \\ \end{array}\]