Question

Intraspecific cross-pollination is
A) Allogamy
B) Geitonogamy
C) Xenogamy
D) Allo Autogamy

Answer 1

Hint: It is the type of pollination in which the transmission of a pollen grain occurs from the male part of a plant to the female part of a plant of the same species.

Complete answer:
Intraspecific cross-pollination is allogamy i.e. pollination within the same species, as it involves pollination between plants of the same species. It is enabling fertilization and the production of seeds, with help of agents such as an animal or by the wind.

Additional information:
A) Allogamy: It is the cross-pollination in which pollen grains are transported from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower borne on a separate plant. Example: papaya, date, etc.
B) Geitonogamy: A type of self-pollination in which pollens are transferred from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower of the same plant is called geitonogamy. Example: corn
C) Xenogamy: It is the cross-pollination between the flowers of two different plants. It produces heterozygosity because two genetically different parents are involved. Example: squash, onion, etc.
D) Allo Autogamy: It is the pollination in which flowers get self-pollinated when cross-pollination does not occur. Example: peas, sunflower, etc.

So, the correct answer is 'Allogamy'.

Note: - The advantage of cross-pollination is that it enables the production of plants with a genetic variation which can help in their survival.
- New varieties(hybrids) are produced by cross-pollination unlike in self-pollination. It introduces hybrid vigor in plants which makes them stronger and increases the rate of evolution.
- Disadvantages of cross-pollination: It’s not always certain as a pollinating agent is usually required, and it can or can not be available at an appropriate time. Pollen grains need to be produced in abundance to ensure the chances of pollination. This results in a lot of wastage of pollen. It is uneconomical for plants as they need to develop flowers that are large, perfumed, and nectar to draw in insects.