Explain the differences between the self-pollination and cross-pollination.

Hint: Pollination is the transfer or placement of pollen from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or on the other flower. Pollen undergoes germination to form pollen tube and sperm for fertilizing the egg.

Complete step by step answer:
The two types of pollination i.e., self-pollination and cross-pollination.
1. Self-pollination:
a. When the pollen from the anther is transferred to stigma of the same flower or other flower on the same plant is known as self-pollination.
b. Self-pollination takes place in flowers where stamen and carpel mature at the same time. This type of pollination does not require any investment from the plant to provide pollen and nectar as food for pollinators.
c.Self-pollination leads to lesser diversity in the production of plants. Genetic material is used to form gametes and then zygote from the same plant.

2. Cross-pollination:
a. When the pollen from the anther of one flower transfers to the stigma of another flower on a different individual of the same species is known as cross-pollination.
b. Cross-pollination leads to greater diversity in the production of plants due to the megagametophyte and microgametophyte that are derived from different plants.
c. In cross-pollination, stamen and carpel mature at different times. When pollen matures and has been shed, then the stigma of this flower is mature and pollinated from another flower.

Note:
Example of self-pollination is orchid whereas papaya is the example of cross-pollination. The majority of the pollinators are biotic agents and some are abiotic agents. Insects, birds, bats and other animals are biotic agents.