Pölyttämisellä

Pölyttämisellä, often translated as pollination, is a crucial biological process in the reproduction of flowering plants and some non-flowering plants. It involves the transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower, the anther, to the female part, the stigma. This transfer is essential for fertilization, leading to the development of seeds and fruits.

There are several mechanisms by which pollination can occur. Wind pollination, known as anemophily, is common in grasses, conifers, and many deciduous trees. These plants typically produce large amounts of light, dry pollen that is easily carried by the wind. Water pollination, or hydrophily, is less common and occurs in aquatic plants where pollen is dispersed by water currents.

The most widely recognized form of pollination is by animals, or zoophily. This includes insects (entomophily), birds (ornithophily), bats (chiropterophily), and other small animals. Plants that rely on animal pollinators often develop attractive features such as bright petals, nectar, and scent to lure their visitors. The pollen itself may be sticky or spiny to adhere to the animal's body. As the animal moves from flower to flower seeking food or shelter, it inadvertently transfers pollen, facilitating cross-pollination. Self-pollination, where pollen is transferred within the same flower or to another flower on the same plant, also occurs in many species.