How does pollination happen?

Pollination can happen in different ways. Pollen can be transferred from the anther to the stigma by animals, wind or water. These are known as agents of pollination.

Pollination by animals: Many flowers are pollinated by insects, birds or other animals. When these animals visit the flowers they often transfer pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of the same flower or another flower. Some examples of animals which help to pollinate flowers are bees, butterflies, beetles, hummingbirds and bats. Flowers that are pollinated by animals may be large or brightly colored, have a scent or produce nectar. This helps them attract the animals which pollinate them.

Pollination by wind: Some flowers are pollinated by the wind. The anthers of flowers that are pollinated by the wind produce lots of tiny and light pollen grains. The anthers usually stick out of the flower so the wind can blow the pollen away. The stigmas of flowers that are pollinated by the wind usually hang out in the open to catch pollen. As the wind blows, it carries pollen from the anthers of the flowers. This pollen may then land on the stigmas of other flowers. Examples of plants that are pollinated by the wind are corn, rice, sugarcane and wheat.

Pollination by water: Some plants that grow in water are pollinated by water. Their pollen is carried by the water until it reaches the stigma of another flower. Some plants that are pollinated by water are pond weed, water weed and eel grass.