Understanding Self-Pollination and Cross-Pollination
Self-pollination and cross-pollination are two methods of pollination essential for plant reproduction. While both processes achieve fertilization, they differ significantly in terms of genetic exchange, plant adaptation, and ecological impact.
Self-pollination is the process where pollen from the same flower or another flower of the same plant fertilizes the ovule. It ensures reproduction without reliance on external pollinators and maintains genetic stability within plants.
Cross-pollination involves the transfer of pollen from the flower of one plant to the stigma of another plant, promoting genetic diversity and enhancing plant adaptability and resilience.
Key Differences Between Self-Pollination and Cross-Pollination
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FAQs on Difference Between Self-Pollination and Cross-Pollination
1. What are the three differences between self-pollination and cross-pollination?
Genetic variation, reliance on pollinators, and flower characteristics.
2. What is the difference between self-pollination and insect pollination?
Self-pollination doesn't rely on insects, whereas insect pollination specifically requires insects.
3. What are the three types of pollination?
Self-pollination, cross-pollination, and geitonogamy.
4. What is self-pollination?
Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma within the same flower or plant.
5. What is an example of cross-pollination?
Apple trees pollinated by bees.
6. What is the difference between pollination and fertilization?
Pollination is the transfer of pollen to a stigma; fertilization is the fusion of male and female gametes.
7. What are the similarities between self-pollination and cross-pollination?
Both involve pollen transfer, stigma, and result in seed formation.
8. What are the two types of pollination and differentiate between them?
Self-pollination occurs within a single plant; cross-pollination occurs between separate plants.
9. What are the advantages of cross-pollination?
Increased genetic diversity, better adaptation, and improved resilience.
10. What is meant by geitonogamy?
Transfer of pollen between different flowers of the same plant.
11. Is hibiscus self-pollinated?
Typically cross-pollinated, though some hibiscus species can self-pollinate.
12. What are the seven steps of pollination?
Pollen production, pollen dispersal, pollen landing on stigma, pollen germination, pollen tube growth, fertilization, seed formation.
13. Is self-pollination asexual?
No, it involves sexual reproduction but limited genetic diversity.
14. What is meant by autogamy?
Another term for self-pollination.
