What is the term for pollen transferred from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower of the same species?

The term for pollen transferred from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower of the same species is cross-pollination. This process plays a crucial role in sexual reproduction in flowering plants, as it allows for genetic diversity within a species. When pollen from one flower reaches the stigma of a different flower, it can lead to the fertilization of the ovule, resulting in the production of seeds.

Cross-pollination can occur through various agents, such as wind, insects, or birds, all of which facilitate the transfer of pollen between flowers. This genetic mixing can enhance the adaptability and resilience of plant populations, enabling them to better respond to environmental changes and resist diseases.

In contrast, self-pollination occurs when pollen from the same flower fertilizes its own ovules, limiting genetic diversity. Autogamy refers specifically to the self-fertilization process within one flower, while geitonogamy involves pollen transfer between different flowers on the same plant rather than between flowers of different plants. Thus, the correct term for the transfer of pollen between separate flowers of the same species is indeed cross-pollination.