What is pollination?

POLLINATION

The transfer and deposition of pollen grains from the anther (male) to the surface of the stigma (female) .

CROSS POLLINATION

SELF POLLINATION

The transfer of pollen between one plant’s anther and another plant’s stigma of the same species. 

The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of either the same flower or another flower found on the same plant. 

HOW DO POLLEN GRAINS TRAVEL?

BIOTIC VECTORS

DEFINITION:

The moving of pollen grains by living organisms

EXAMPLES:

  • Insects
  • Birds
  • Bats
  • Additional Mammals

INFORMATION:

Over 80% of pollination is due to the transferring of pollen grains by insects, birds, and additional mammals. Remember, this means that they are also responsible for creating the ingredients used during the processing and manufacturing of the food we eat. 

Since the biotic organisms above are responsible for so much of the food we eat, we dedicated an entire page to them! Read up about why we think pollinators are awesome, learn about this issues they face, and what we can do to increase their numbers in the Metro Atlanta area through GAPP!

ABIOTIC VECTORS

DEFINITION:

The moving of pollen grains by non-living factors

EXAMPLES:

  • Wind(Anemophily)
  • Water(Hydrophily)

INFORMATION:

As with any dispersal method, there are scenario’s that either promote successful dispersal or hinder it. For wind-pollinated species, the success of pollination relies heavily on the plants’ surroundings. 

The ideal environment would be one in which plants are found in wide, open areas where pollen can be carried long distances easily and without obstruction. 

However, imagine an environment with thick, dense canopies that would cause the obstruction of pollen flow, high amounts of water vapor that reduce the amount of pollen in the air, and high levels of plant diversity that would decrease the probability of successful cross pollination. 

This type of environment can be found in rain forests and you may think that wind pollination is beginning to seem rather inefficient compared to biotic vectors. There are, however, adaptations by wind pollinated species that increase the likelihood of success. Read about these adaptations below!

 

WIND POLLINATED SPECIES ADAPTATIONS

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