Pollinators

• Pollination

  The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma
• Cross-pollination

  • The transfer of pollen from the anther of 1 flower to the stigma of another flower
• Self-pollination

  • Pollen falls from the anther onto the stigma of the same flower
• Cross-Pollination Advantages

  • Increase the variation in the progeny after genetic recombination
  • Increases adaptability of the offspring to environmental changes
• Cross-Pollination Disadvantages


  • Requires agent of pollination – insect or bird/wind
  • Require plants to produce structures to attract pollinators
• Self-Pollination Advantages


  • Not dependent on pollinating agents
  • Number of flowers are small or widely spaced
• Self-Pollination Disadvantages


  • Lack of variation so no adaptation to the changing environment/pathogens (bacteria)
  • Genetic defects in self-pollinating plants cannot be eliminated
• Insect-pollinated flower


  • Brightly coloured petals
  • Large petals
  • Nectar
  • Scented
  • Small, round, sticky stigmas
  • Anthers and stigma enclosed within the flower
  • Pollen large and heavy
  • Pollen sticky or sculpted
  • Large amount of pollen
• Wind-pollinated flowers


  • Dull, brown or green
  • Small and insignificant petals/No petals at all
  • No Nectar
  • Not scented
  • Large feathery stigmas
  • Anthers and stigma outside the flower
  • Pollen small and light
  • Pollen is smooth, not sticky, some have air sacs
  • Small amount of pollen