Agents of Pollination
During sexual reproduction, these agents of pollination are the ones who transfer pollen grains from one to flower or plant. It is classified based on Anatomy and on what types of forces are involved.
Classification based on Anatomy
- Syndromic agents: These agents can be insects or animals that feed on nectar. Basically while gathering food, these agents attach pollens with themselves and make themselves pollinating agents in cross-pollination.
- Proboscis agents: These agents are animals that feed through their long tongues called proboscis. They basically collect pollen from one plant while feeding and then transfer it to another plant.
Classification based on what types of forces are involved
- Abiotic factors– agents that use physical forces. For example- wind, water, rain, etc.
- Biotic factors – agents that work with living organisms. For example- insects such as bees, butterflies, etc.
Pollination
Pollination is the biological process by which pollen from the male part of the flower transfers to the female part of the same or on different flowers. Pollination results in fertilization and the production of seeds. Pollination is important for the reproduction of plants. Pollination can occur in different ways, such as through the wind, water, or animals such as bees, butterflies, and many more. However, some plant species are self-pollinating or do not require pollinators to reproduce.