Double Jeopardy: Pollinator-Plant Mismatch

• Inbreeding depression refers to the reduced biological fitness that can result from inbreeding, which occurs when closely related individuals breed.

What is Pollination?

• Pollination refers to the transfer of pollen from the anther (the male part) of a flower to the stigma (the female part) of the same or another flower.
• This process enables fertilisation and the production of seeds.
• Without pollination, many plants would not be able to reproduce.

Types of Pollination

• Self-pollination: pollen grains from the anther fall directly onto the stigma of the same flower.
• Advantages:

• Ensures that recessive characters are eliminated.
• Wastage of pollen grains is minimal.
• Maintains the purity of the genetic race.
• No reliance on external factors (like wind or other agents).

• Disadvantages:

• Reduced genetic diversity due to lack of gene mixing.
• Reduced vigour and vitality in offspring.
• Lower immunity to diseases.

• Cross-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower (of the same species).
  • Types of Cross-Pollination:
  • Anemophily: Pollination by wind (common in grasses and some trees).
  • Zoophily: Pollination by animals, including insects (like bees, butterflies, and beetles), birds, and bats.
  • Anthropophily: Pollination by humans (rare but can happen unintentionally).

• Advantages:

• Increases genetic diversity.
• Enhances vigour and adaptability.
• Promotes disease resistance.

• Open pollination: includes both self-pollination and cross-pollination.
  • Occurs when pollen is transferred naturally, without human intervention.
  • Open-pollinated plants contribute to biodiversity and adaptability.

Agents of Pollination

• Animals: Insects (bees, butterflies, beetles), birds, bats, and even some mammals.
• Wind: Wind-pollinated plants release lightweight pollen grains that are carried by air currents.
• Water: Aquatic plants rely on water for pollination.