North Carolina Bee School Practice Exam

What term describes the process used by certain plants, like tomatoes and blueberries, to facilitate pollination?

1. Cross-Pollination

2. Buzz Pollination

3. Self-Pollination

4. Wind Pollination

The correct answer is: Buzz Pollination

Buzz pollination is a specialized pollination technique used by certain plants, such as tomatoes and blueberries, that involves the vibrations produced by specific bees, particularly bumblebees. During this process, the bee grabs onto the flower and vibrates its flight muscles, which creates a buzz. This vibration effectively dislodges the pollen grains from the anthers of the flower, allowing for more efficient transfer to the pollinator and increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization. This method is particularly important for plants like tomatoes and blueberries, which produce flowers that are adapted to this type of pollination. The mechanical action of buzzing aids in overcoming the structural barriers of these plants' flowers, which might not be as accessible to other forms of pollination, such as wind or self-pollination. As a result, buzz pollination can enhance fruit set and yield in these crops, making it a vital process for their reproduction and agricultural productivity. The other types of pollination mentioned, such as cross-pollination, self-pollination, and wind pollination, are applicable to different plants or scenarios but do not specifically pertain to the unique mechanism of buzz pollination that some plants require.