Very important both in natural systems, human systems and technological systems:
Open pollination is pollination by insects, birds, wind, or other natural mechanisms. The seeds of open-pollinated plants will produce new generations of those plants; however, because breeding is uncontrolled and the pollen (male parent) source is unknown, open pollination results in plants that vary widely in genetic traits, characteristics. Open pollination increases biodiversity but results in some plants less suitable for their environment or intended human use. This is in contrast with hybrid pollination, which is controlled and all seeds of a crop carry the same traits. Hybrid pollination increases suitability, especially through the phenomenon of hybrid vigor, but decreases biodiversity.
{See also: monoculture, polyculture, alternative currency}
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