Define cross-pollination using different same-species plants
Track both the plant boundary and the species condition.
Extended only (Supplement); Biology 0610, 2026–2028. Use the stated specimen features and evidence. Diagrams are schematic. Written practice is self-checked
Before you begin
- Recall gametes, nuclear fusion, cellular respiration and the distinction between reproduction and growth.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which record meets the required cross-pollination definition?
What you will learn
- Identify a transfer between different plants
- Retain the same-species requirement
Define cross-pollination using different same-species plants
| Feature | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Transfer | Pollen from anther to stigma |
| Plant condition | Different plants |
| Species condition | Same species |
| Limit | Plant difference does not guarantee genotype difference or fusion |
Identify a transfer between different plants
Cross-pollination is transfer of pollen grains from an anther of a flower to a stigma of a flower on a different plant of the same species. Two conditions matter: the plant identities differ and the plants are of the same species. Simply seeing two flowers, two colours or two branches does not establish that definition.
In the labelled model, flower A1 belongs to plant A and flower B1 belongs to plant B. If A and B are different plants of the same species, the supplied anther-to-stigma route A1 → B1 is cross-pollination. A1 → A2 remains self-pollination because A1 and A2 are flowers on one plant, despite the changed flower label.
Retain the same-species requirement
A carrier such as wind or an insect can move grains between plants, depending on the species. The transfer route does not establish that the two plants have different genotypes, that the grains were compatible, or that fertilisation succeeded. Genetically identical plants can still be different physical plants, while the genetic consequences depend on their contributions.
For this syllabus definition, transfer to a different species is not the stated cross-pollination category. Hybridisation and exceptional compatibility are broader biological topics, not reasons to remove the same-species condition from the required answer. Use the facts supplied in a record, and state when plant or species identity is missing rather than inventing it.
Pause and explain
Does a different physical plant necessarily mean a different genotype?
Worked example
A1 transfers pollen to B1 on another plant of the same species. Name the route.
Show the worked solution
- Plant identity changes from A to B.
- The same-species condition is supplied.
Answer Cross-pollination.
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Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Write the complete cross-pollination definition.
Give me a hint
State both plant and species conditions.
Compare my reasoning
- Pollen moves from anther to stigma.
- The destination flower belongs to a different plant of the same species.
Anther-to-stigma transfer of pollen between flowers on different plants of the same species.
Look for these in your work
- Include the transfer route
- Include different-plant and same-species conditions
Classify A1 → A2 on plant A and A1 → B1 on a separate same-species plant B.
Give me a hint
Follow the origin and destination plants.
Compare my reasoning
- First route stays on A.
- Second crosses from A to B with the species condition met.
A1 → A2: self-pollination. A1 → B1: cross-pollination.
Look for these in your work
- Classify both routes
- Explain the plant boundary
A record says pollen moved between two unnamed flowers but gives no plant or species identity. Can cross-pollination be confirmed?
Give me a hint
Check both missing conditions.
Compare my reasoning
- They may be flowers on one plant.
- Different-plant and same-species identities are not supplied.
No. Confirm the plant identities and same-species condition before classifying the route as cross-pollination.
Look for these in your work
- Identify the missing plant evidence
- Identify the missing species evidence
Common mistakes
- Omitting the same-species condition.
- Assuming different plants always have different genotypes.
What can you explain now?
Does a different physical plant necessarily mean a different genotype?
Compare with the explanation
No; separate plants can be genetically identical
Physical identity and genotype are different facts.
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Make it stick
Define cross-pollination with both different-plant and same-species conditions.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.