A flower’s anthers are removed before it matures. Later, pollen from another plant of the same species is dusted onto its stigma and seeds are produced. Which process has been ensured here?
Explanation
Option (B) Cross-pollination is correct because the context defines cross-pollination as the transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower of one plant to the stigma of a flower of another plant of the same type. In the given scenario, the anthers are removed to prevent self-pollination, and pollen from another plant of the same species is dusted onto the stigma, which perfectly matches the definition of cross-pollination.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Analyze the scenario - anthers are removed (preventing self-pollination) and pollen from another plant is used.
Step 2: Compare with definitions from the context - Self-pollination involves pollen transfer within the same flower or plant, while cross-pollination involves transfer from one plant to another plant of the same type.
Step 3: Since pollen from another plant of the same species is used, the process ensured is cross-pollination.