What is the process of moving pollen from one flower to another to facilitate seed production called?

The process of transferring pollen from one flower to another, which leads to the fertilization of ovules and subsequently seed production, is known as pollination. This is a crucial step in the reproductive cycle of flowering plants, as it allows for genetic exchange and the formation of seeds.

During pollination, pollen grains are carried by various agents such as wind, water, or animals (especially insects), from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another. Once the pollen lands on a compatible stigma, it can grow a pollen tube that allows sperm cells to move down to the ovule, enabling fertilization. This connection between pollination and seed development is vital for plants to reproduce and contribute to biodiversity.

Fertilization refers specifically to the fusion of male and female gametes after pollination has occurred, which is a subsequent step in the reproductive process. Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant, and photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. These processes are related to plant life and growth but do not pertain directly to the act of moving pollen.