IGCSE Biology glossary
Pollination
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
The transfer of pollen grains from the anther of a flower to the stigma. Self-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred within the same flower or between flowers on the same plant. Cross-pollination involves transfer between flowers on different plants of the same species.
What to include in an exam answer
Pollination is NOT the same as fertilisation. Pollination is the transfer of pollen to the stigma. Fertilisation is the fusion of the male and female nuclei in the ovule. Cross-pollination produces more genetic variation than self-pollination.
Example in context
Explain one advantage of cross-pollination over self-pollination (2 marks): Cross-pollination involves pollen from a different plant, introducing greater genetic variation in offspring. This makes the population more likely to survive environmental changes through natural selection.
Related syllabus topic
Reproduction