What is pollination?

Pollination is specifically the process by which pollen from the male parts of a flower (the anthers) is transferred to the female parts (the stigma) of the same or another flower. This transfer can occur through various agents, such as wind, water, or animals, particularly insects. Once the pollen reaches the stigma, it can lead to fertilization, which ultimately allows for the creation of seeds. Thus, this definition captures the essence of pollination as a critical step in the reproductive cycle of flowering plants.

Other options do not accurately define pollination. For instance, while the creation of seeds is a result of pollination, the phrase "plants creating seeds" does not convey the mechanism involving pollen transfer. Growth of new plant species refers to speciation or plant evolution rather than the reproductive process itself. Lastly, nutrient absorption by roots pertains to a different aspect of plant biology, focusing on how plants take up nutrients from the soil, which is not related to the reproductive process of pollination.