Concept:Fertilization is the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
Explanation:Fertilization is the actual reproductive process that starts the development of a new organism.
The male gamete fuses with the female gamete.
The cell formed is called a zygote.
The zygote divides by mitosis and develops into an embryo and later a new organism.
Budding is a form of asexual reproduction and does not involve gamete fusion.
Germination is the growth of a seed, not a reproductive process.
Pollination is only the transfer of pollen in flowering plants, which can lead to fertilization.
So fertilization is the process directly involved in reproduction and development.
Answer:Fertilization (Option C)