Which of the following statements best describes pollination in plants?

Step 1: Analyze the question You're asked to pick the statement that best defines pollination. The key is to know the correct direction of pollen transfer.

Step 2: Explain the concept Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther (the male part, where pollen is produced) to the stigma (the female part, which receives pollen). It can happen within the same flower or plant (self-pollination) or between flowers of different plants of the same species (cross-pollination). Agents include insects, wind, water, birds, and bats.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Wrong. It reverses the direction. Pollen is made in the anther, not the stigma.
• B. Correct. Pollen moves from the anther to the stigma.
• C. Wrong. Releasing pollen into the air is only one way pollen may be dispersed (wind pollination). It doesn't describe pollination itself, since the pollen must land on a stigma.
• D. Wrong. Seed formation happens after pollination and fertilisation. It is not pollination.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B.

Step 5: Exam tip Remember the order A before S: Anther → Stigma, just as A comes before S in the alphabet. Also keep the sequence clear: Pollination → Pollen tube growth → Fertilisation → Seed formation.

JAMB often tests the difference between pollination (transfer of pollen) and fertilisation (fusion of gametes), so be careful with those two terms.