The term that describes seed development caused by pollen from different flowers on different plants is Cross-pollination.

• A. Self-compatibility
• B. Self-pollination
• C. Hybridization
• D. Cross-pollination

Answer: (D)

Cross-pollination is the process where pollen moves from the flower of one plant to the flower of another plant, and fertilization then produces seeds. This distinguishes it from self-pollination, where pollen fertilizes flowers on the same plant. Self-compatibility describes a plant’s ability to be fertilized by its own pollen, not the act of pollen transfer itself. Hybridization refers to crossing between species or distinct varieties and is a possible outcome of cross-pollination but isn’t the process described. Understanding this helps explain why pollen coming from a different plant leads to seeds that combine genetic material from two different parents, promoting genetic diversity in the offspring.