The term pollination refers to the process of transfer of pollen grains from anther of the stamen to the receptive stigma of the carpel of the same or a different flowers of the same species. The process of pollination occurs only in gymnosperms and angiosperms.
Pollination is the prerequisite for fertilization. It is of two types: self pollination and cross pollination.

Self Pollination: A single plant is involved. It is of two types: Autogamy and Geitonogamy.

Abiotic agents are wind (Anemophily) and water (Hydrophily). Biotic agencies are insects (Entomophily), birds (Ornithophily) and bats (Chiropterophily).

Functions of Pollination
Pollination is the prerequisite for fertilization. It is of two types: self pollination and cross pollination.

Self Pollination: A single plant is involved. It is of two types: Autogamy and Geitonogamy.
- Autogamy: Pollens fall on the stigma of the same flower.
- Pollens fall on the stigma of different flowers of the same plant.
Abiotic agents are wind (Anemophily) and water (Hydrophily). Biotic agencies are insects (Entomophily), birds (Ornithophily) and bats (Chiropterophily).
Functions of Pollination
- It is essential for survival of plants on earth. It leads to fertilization and production of seeds and fruits, which ensure continuity of plant life.
- The role of pollination in the production of hybrid seeds has been of great significance.
- The pollination, especially cross pollination results in the production of plants with a combination of characters from two plants. This helps to merge useful characters from two different plants into one.