Sure, I can help you differentiate between those terms. Here we go:
(i) Protandry and protogyny:
- Protandry refers to a reproductive system where the male parts of a flower mature before the female parts. This can prevent self-pollination and promote cross-pollination.
- Protogyny, on the other hand, is when the female parts of a flower mature before the male parts. This can also aid in cross-pollination and avoid self-pollination.
(ii) Self pollination and cross pollination:
- Self-pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or a genetically identical flower, leading to fertilization.
- Cross-pollination involves the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower, often of the same species. This promotes genetic diversity.
(iii) Herkogamy and heterostyly:
- Herkogamy is a floral mechanism that prevents self-pollination by having spatial separation between the reproductive organs of the same flower.
- Heterostyly is a condition where different flowers within a species have varying lengths of pistils and stamens, promoting cross-pollination between different floral types.
(iv) Homogamy and cleistogamy:
- Homogamy is when a flower's reproductive structures mature simultaneously, increasing the chances of self-pollination.
- Cleistogamy refers to flowers that remain closed during pollination, promoting self-pollination without the need for external pollinators.
I hope this explanation helps you understand the differences between these terms. Let me know if you need further clarification or more examples!
