Understanding the Key Differences Between Geitonogamy and Xenogamy
Pollination is the process by which pollen grains are transferred from the anther to the stigma for fertilisation. There are different types of pollination, including geitonogamy and xenogamy, both of which involve the transfer of pollen but differ in their source. Understanding the difference between geitonogamy and xenogamy helps explain how plants reproduce and maintain genetic diversity.
What is Geitonogamy?
Geitonogamy is a type of self-pollination where pollen is transferred between different flowers of the same plant. Even though the transfer occurs between different flowers, genetically, it is still considered self-pollination.
What is Xenogamy?
Xenogamy is a type of cross-pollination, where pollen is transferred from one plant to another plant of the same species. This type of pollination increases genetic diversity.
Table of Differences – Geitonogamy Vs Xenogamy
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FAQs on Difference Between Geitonogamy and Xenogamy | NEET
1. What is the difference between xenogamy and geitonogamy?
Geitonogamy occurs within the same plant (self-pollination), while xenogamy occurs between different plants of the same species (cross-pollination).
2. What is the difference between autogamy and xenogamy?
Autogamy is self-pollination within the same flower, while xenogamy is cross-pollination between different plants of the same species.
3. What is the difference between autogamy and geitonogamy?
Autogamy occurs within the same flower, while geitonogamy occurs between different flowers on the same plant. Both are types of self-pollination.
4. What is the difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination?
Self-pollination occurs within the same flower or plant, while cross-pollination involves pollen transfer between different plants, increasing genetic diversity.
5. What is called geitonogamy?
Geitonogamy is a type of self-pollination where pollen is transferred between different flowers of the same plant.
6. What is the difference between hydrophily and epihydrophily?
Hydrophily refers to water-pollination in general, while epihydrophily is a specific type of water-pollination where pollen floats on the surface of water to reach the stigma.
7. What is an example of xenogamy?
Examples of xenogamy include sunflower, apple, mustard, and orchids, where pollen is transferred between different plants.
8. What is double fertilisation?
Double fertilisation is a unique process in flowering plants, where one sperm fertilises the egg cell (forming a zygote), and another sperm fertilises the central cell (forming the endosperm, which nourishes the embryo).
9. Why is xenogamy important for plant evolution?
Xenogamy increases genetic diversity, helping plants adapt to changing environments and reducing the risk of inbreeding.
10. Does geitonogamy require pollinators?
Geitonogamy can occur with or without pollinators, depending on the plant species. Some plants rely on wind or insects for pollen transfer.
