Pollination is one of the most important ecological processes that take place on the planet, for without it, many of the food resources we rely on today would not be able to be produced — even meat, which is directly correlated to successful agriculture. Fortunately, this process can be fulfilled in a multitude of ways without much effort through nature’s ingenious system of pollinators. In fact, there are many types of pollinators to help plants survive.
Pollinators are things that bring pollen from plant to plant. While some plants can reproduce on their own without the need for pollen from other plants, the vast majority of plants require one or more types of pollinators to lend a hand. Here are just five types of pollinators that work to help plants grow.
Animals
When animals walk by plants, the pollen can end up brushed onto the animal’s coat. The pollen clings to the animal’s coat until it is brushed off against another plant. Animals like deer, dogs and cats can all help pollinate plants in this way, and they play an important part in the ecosystem.
Wind
Some plants can pollinate themselves when there is a breeze blowing through and when they are planted close together. Corn that is planted in rows can often pollinate through the wind alone.
Bees
Bees are among the most prolific and important types of pollinators around. They gather pollen to make honey, and as they enter the plant, pollen clings to their bristly backs. They carry pollen from plant to plant, allowing the plants to reproduce. Bees pollinate an enormous number of human-grown crops.
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds flit from plant to plant, seeking the sweet nectar that fuels their rapid wing beats. As they drink the nectar, pollen ends up on their feathers, which they then bear to another plant. The rapid movements of the hummingbird will also shake pollen loose, allowing it to float away to another plant if there is a handy breeze nearby.
Humans
Humans can both accidentally and purposefully pollinate a plant. For example, a human taking a hike can end up with pollen on their jeans, carrying it through the woods before it ends up being deposited on another plant. Humans can also hand-pollinate plants, creating new hybrids or simply taking the place of other pollinators that may not be available in the area. Though hand-pollinating is very reliable, it is also a very tedious and very time-consuming process.
Featured Image from Timothy Dykes/Unsplash
