What is pollination? Explain its types

Pollination: transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower, enabling fertilization.

Types

1. Self-pollination
   • Autogamy: pollen to stigma of the same flower.
   • Geitonogamy: pollen to another flower on the same plant.
   • Pros: maintains pure lines, assured seed set.
   • Cons: less variation, risk of inbreeding.
2. Cross-pollination (Xenogamy)
   • Pollen to a flower on a different plant of the same species.
   • Pros: genetic variation, vigor, adaptability.
   • Cons: depends on agents, can be less reliable.

Pollination agents

• Abiotic:
  • Wind (anemophily): grasses, maize.
  • Water (hydrophily): vallisneria, hydrilla (few aquatic plants).
• Biotic:
  • Insects (entomophily): bees, butterflies; showy, nectar-rich flowers.
  • Birds (ornithophily): hummingbirds, sunbirds; tubular, red/orange flowers.
  • Bats (chiropterophily): night-blooming, strong-scented flowers.

Key adaptations

Sticky or spiky pollen, nectar guides, fragrance, synchronized flowering, and stigma position to receive pollen efficiently.