What are the advantages and disadvantages of self and cross pollination? Biology Q&A (2024)

FAQs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of self and cross pollination? Biology Q&A? ›

Self Pollination

Self-pollination leads to the production of plants with less genetic diversity since genetic material from the same plant is used to form gametes and, eventually, the zygote. In contrast, cross-pollination leads to greater genetic diversity because the male and female gametophytes are derived from different plants.

1) Less pollens required as pollens do not need to travel longer distances and have less chance to be destroyed. 2) Less likely to depend on pollinating agent in bisexual flower.

Cross-pollination is preferred because it brings about variation in species. Self-pollination does not bring about any variations. Variation brings new traits to the plant which may be advantageous to the plant.

With adequate pollination, wildflowers: Reproduce and produce enough seeds for dispersal and propagation. Maintain genetic diversity within a population. Develop adequate fruits to entice seed dispersers.

The race's purity is preserved. Pollen grains do not go to waste. Pollination is not dependent on external causes or pollinating agents.

Self-pollination occurs when the pollen from the anther is deposited on the stigma of the same flower, or another flower on the same plant. Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on a different individual of the same species.

In nature, cross-pollination occurs when pollen from one plant is transferred to another plant, resulting in healthier offspring and new plant varieties. It's essential for genetic variation, increasing plants' diversity and adaptability in changing environments.

What is cross-pollination advantageous because it results in? ›

Cross-pollination is advantageous because it results in formation of better progeny. The transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organ (an anther or a male cone) of one plant to the female reproductive organ (a stigma or a female cone) of another plant. Insects and wind are agents of cross-pollination.

Similarities Between Self-Pollination & Cross-Pollination

The germination takes place in stigma, both in self-pollination and cross-pollination. The pollen transfer takes place from anther to stigma in both cross and self-pollination. Self-pollination and cross-pollination both take place in plants of the same species.

- It helps in improving the immunity of offspring against environmental stress and diseases. The disadvantage of cross pollination are: - Huge amounts of pollen grains are wasted. - There is a chance of genetic recombination which can lead to elimination of good qualities of the parent.

The seeds are in smaller quantities. New plant varieties cannot be created. Because the endosperm is so little, the seeds produced are feeble. The immunity of the offspring decreases if new characteristics are not introduced.

Advantages of cross-pollination

In a changing environment, the genetic variability within a cross-pollinated population may enable some individuals to be adapted to their new situation, ensuring survival of the species, whereas the individuals resulting from self-pollination might all be unable to adjust.

Typically, pollination benefits the animal pollinator by providing it with nectar, and benefits the plant by providing a direct transfer of pollen from one plant to the pistil of another plant. Disadvantages of animal pollination. not as much seeds can dispersed.

The main constraints of hand pollination are high labor inputs, high material costs, and required skills. Major risks of hand pollination include management ignoring pollinator conservation, high food prices, over-pollination, labor accidents, and unfair labor.

Self-pollination is most often seen in legumes (peanuts are legumes) and in many kinds of orchids, peas, sunflowers and daisies. Self-pollinators are good for the environment and efficient plants to grow. They use less energy because they do not need to attract bees or other insects to reproduce.