Pollination, spelled /ˌpɑː.ləˈneɪ.ʃən/ in IPA phonetic transcription, is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male part of a flower to the female part, resulting in fertilization and the production of seeds. The word itself is derived from the Latin word "pollen," meaning fine flour or dust, and the suffix "-ation," indicating an action or process. The spelling of "pollination" follows the English convention of using the letters "ll" to represent the sound /l/ after a short vowel, as opposed to the single letter "l" used for the /l/ sound after a long vowel.
Pollination is a vital ecological process that involves the transfer of pollen grains from the male reproductive organ (anther) to the female reproductive organ (stigma) of a flower, consequently leading to fertilization and the production of seeds. This natural phenomenon enables plants to reproduce sexually and maintain their genetic diversity, ensuring the continuation of various plant species.
Pollination can occur through various mechanisms, including wind, water, and most commonly, by the action of animals such as insects, birds, bats, and even small mammals. The mutualistic relationship that evolves between flowering plants and their pollinators is often highly specific and evolved over millions of years. The plant provides nectar or pollen as a reward for the pollinator, while the pollinator, inadvertently or purposely, transfers pollen between flowers during their foraging activities.
Successful pollination is essential for the production of fruits and seeds, which not only benefits plants but also plays a crucial role in the food chain, sustaining other organisms' survival. Additionally, pollination contributes to the maintenance of biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems.
The process of pollination is highly intricate, involving various factors such as flower structure, pollen characteristics, and specific adaptations of both the plants and their pollinators. Understanding pollination is not only important in the field of botany but also in agriculture, horticulture, and conservation efforts aiming to maintain and restore pollinator populations to ensure efficient and effective plant reproduction.
In botany, the dusting of the stigma or surface of the ovule with pollen.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The word "pollination" comes from the Latin term "pollinatio", which is derived from the word "pollen". "Pollen" refers to the fine, powdery substance produced by the male reproductive organ of a flower, known as the stamen. The Latin word "pollinatio" means "dusting with pollen" or "sprinkling with powder". Over time, the term "pollination" came to signify the process by which pollen is transferred from the male reproductive organ to the female reproductive organ of a flower, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds.