pollination

Everyday

Pollination is the moving of pollen from the male part of a flower (the anther) to the female part (the stigma), so that seeds can form. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons pupils learn that insects such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies carry pollen from flower to flower while drinking nectar; some plants (grasses, many trees) are pollinated by the wind. After pollination comes fertilisation, then seeds and fruit. Without pollination many fruits and vegetables would not grow, which is why protecting bees matters. Phrases: insect pollination, wind pollination, cross-pollination, self-pollination.

Examples

• Bees help with pollination. tree →
• Pollination happens when pollen reaches the stigma. tree →
• Some flowers use the wind for pollination. tree →
• Bright petals and sweet nectar attract insects for pollination. tree →
• After pollination, the flower makes seeds. tree →
• Without pollination we would have fewer apples. tree →

Note

Uncountable noun. Verb: pollinate (pollinated). Animals that do it are pollinators. Pollination (pollen moves) comes before fertilisation (pollen joins the ovule) — they are not the same step. «Pollen» has double l and one n.