Question

What is pollination? What are the two types of pollination? Discuss the different agents of pollination with examples.

Answer 1

Pollination is a process of reproduction in flowering plants, where the pollen grains are transferred from the anther to stigma. Pollination are of two types:
(a) Self-pollination
(b) Cross pollination

The agents of pollination are:
(a) Wind: Generally, the wind pollinating flowers are small, light coloured, nectar less and contain very light pollen grains which can be easily carried out by wind. Plants like wheat and rice are example for this kind.
(b) Water: The water currents carry the pollen grains to other flowers, released by the water pollinating plants. Sea grass and Vallisneria are the water pollinating plants.
(c) Insect: Insect pollinated flowers have bright coloured petals, rich in nectar and a sweet smell which attracts the insects. Orchids and jasmine plants are some examples for this kind.