Self-pollination occurs when pollen fertilizes ovules on the same flower. Which term describes this process?

Self-pollination occurs when pollen fertilizes ovules on the same flower. Which term describes this process?

• A. Cross-pollination
• B. Fertilization
• C. Self-pollination
• D. Hybrid

Answer: (C)

Understanding pollination terminology is being tested here. In self-pollination, pollen from a flower fertilizes its own ovules, either within the same flower or from the same plant. This contrasts with cross-pollination, where pollen comes from a different plant, increasing genetic variation. Fertilization is the actual union of the male and female gametes to form a zygote, which happens after pollination. A hybrid is the offspring resulting from crossing different varieties or species. Since the scenario describes pollen fertilizing ovules on the same flower, the term that best fits is self-pollination.

Understanding pollination terminology is being tested here. In self-pollination, pollen from a flower fertilizes its own ovules, either within the same flower or from the same plant. This contrasts with cross-pollination, where pollen comes from a different plant, increasing genetic variation. Fertilization is the actual union of the male and female gametes to form a zygote, which happens after pollination. A hybrid is the offspring resulting from crossing different varieties or species. Since the scenario describes pollen fertilizing ovules on the same flower, the term that best fits is self-pollination.