Question

Is self-pollination better or cross-pollination? Explain why.

Answer 1

Pollination:

1. Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther (male reproductive organ) to the stigma (female reproductive organ) of the same or a different flower.
2. Pollination occurs in nature with the assistance of agents such as insects, animals, water, and wind.

Self-pollination:

1. Self-pollination occurs when pollen grains from a flower's stamen are transferred to the stigma of the same or another flower on the same plant, such as wheat or peas.
2. Plants often suffer from inbreeding depression as a result of continued self-pollination.

Cross-pollination:

Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from one flower's stamen is transferred to the stigma of another flower on a different plant of the same species, such as Papaya, Calotropis, and so on.

Advantages of cross-pollination over self-pollination:

Cross-pollination has several advantages that explain why it is a better mechanism than self-pollination:

1. Cross-pollination encourages the development of healthier offspring.
2. These offspring are extremely vigorous.
3. Seed production is abundant, and the seeds are more viable and germinating.
4. Cross-pollination allows for the inclusion of variations, and thus the formation of varieties. It aids in crop yield maintenance.
5. Cross-pollination eliminates undesirable plant characteristics.
6. Cross-pollination allows genetic information to be combined, resulting in species diversity.
7. Cross-pollination promotes evolution.
8. Cross-pollinated species are better adapted to varying climatic conditions.