Definition

1. Noun:
   • The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of a plant: This is the biological process essential for the fertilization and reproduction of many seed plants. It involves moving pollen grains, which contain the male gametes, to the female reproductive structure.

Usage

• Pollination is a crucial step in the life cycle of flowering plants and some gymnosperms.
• It is often facilitated by agents such as wind, water, insects, birds, or other animals.
• The term is used in biological, agricultural, and environmental contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Bees are vital for the pollination of many fruit crops.
  • Cross-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred between flowers of different plants.
  • The study focused on the effects of climate change on insect pollination.

Advanced Usage

• "to undergo pollination": to experience the process of pollen transfer.
  • The flower must undergo pollination to produce seeds.
• "pollination event": a specific instance of pollen transfer.
  • Scientists recorded each pollination event during the observation period.

Variants and Related Words

• Pollinate (verb): to carry out the act of transferring pollen.
  • These insects pollinate the flowers.
• Pollinator (noun): an agent that transfers pollen, such as a bee, bat, or bird.
  • The hummingbird is an important pollinator.
• Self-pollination (noun): pollination occurring within the same flower or plant.
• Cross-pollination (noun): pollination between flowers of different plants.

Synonyms

• Fertilization (in a broader sense, though this specifically refers to the union of gametes).
• Pollen transfer (a more descriptive phrase).

Related Phrases

• Pollination syndrome: A suite of flower traits that have evolved in relation to a specific type of pollinator.
• Pollination biology: The scientific study of pollination systems.

Idioms

Noun

1. transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of a plant