What is the Difference Between Pollination and Fertilization?

The main differences between pollination and fertilization are:

1. Process: Pollination involves the transfer of pollen grains (male reproductive cells) from the anther of a stamen to the stigma of the same or another flower. Fertilization, on the other hand, occurs when the sperm (male gamete) fuses with the ovum (female gamete).
2. Timing: Pollination takes place before fertilization. It is an external process that occurs on the outer part of the flower. Fertilization, in contrast, is an internal mechanism that takes place inside the flower.
3. Type of process: Pollination is a physical process, while fertilization is a biochemical and genetic process.
4. Agents: Pollination requires external agents such as wind, water, birds, insects, and other animals for the transfer of pollen grains. Fertilization does not require any external agents, as it takes place when a pollen tube enters the ovule.
5. Types: There are two types of pollination: self-pollination and cross-pollination. Fertilization has no types.

In summary, pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from one flower to another, while fertilization is the fusion of the sperm with the ovum to form a zygote. Pollination is a physical process that takes place outside the flower, whereas fertilization is a biochemical and genetic process that occurs inside the flower.

Comparative Table: Pollination vs Fertilization

Here is a table comparing pollination and fertilization:

Pollination is the process of transferring pollen grains, which contain the male genetic material, from the anther of one plant to the stigma of another plant, usually with the help of pollination agents such as wind, water, birds, insects, and other animals. Fertilization, on the other hand, is the fusion of haploid male and female gametes (sex cells) to form a diploid zygote, which results in the initiation of the development of a new individual.