pollinator
Definition
A pollinator is an animal that helps to transfer pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma. Pollen grains contain male sex cells, and when they land on the stigma, they can fertilise the flower and create seeds. Seeds then grow into new plants.
There are two main types of pollinators:
- Bees: Bees are the most common pollinators. They have hairy bodies that help them to collect pollen. Bees also have a special pouch called a pollen basket on their hind legs that they use to carry pollen back to their hive.
- Butterflies: Butterflies use their long tongues to sip nectar from flowers. As they do this, they pick up pollen on their bodies. When they visit another flower, they leave some of the pollen from the first flower behind. This pollen can then fertilize the second flower.
- Birds: Some birds, such as hummingbirds and orioles, also pollinate flowers. They use their beaks to sip nectar from flowers, and they also pick up pollen on their feathers.
- Bats: Bats are also pollinators. They use their echolocation to find flowers at night. They then use their tongues to lap up nectar from flowers, and they also pick up pollen on their fur.
Pollinators are important for plants and for the environment. Without pollinators, many plants would not be able to reproduce, and this would have a negative impact on the environment. Pollinators also help to pollinate crops, which is important for food production.
How can the word be used?
The decline of pollinators is a major threat to our food supply.
Different forms of the word
Noun: a creature that pollinates plants, such as a bee, butterfly, or hummingbird.
Adjective: relating to or involving pollinators.
Verb: to pollinate (a plant) with the help of a pollinator.
Etymology
The word "pollinator" is a compound word, made up of the words "pollen" and "ator". The suffix "ator" means "one who does something", so "pollinator" literally means "one who pollinates".
The word "pollinator" was first used in the early 19th century.
Question
What is a pollinator?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define a pollinator and explain its role in the process of pollination. Provide examples of different types of pollinators and describe how their behaviours contribute to successful plant reproduction.
Answer:
A pollinator is an organism, typically an animal, that plays a crucial role in the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive parts (anthers) of a flower to the female reproductive parts (stigma) of another flower, facilitating fertilisation and seed production.
There are various types of pollinators, each with unique behaviours that aid in plant reproduction. Bees are among the most efficient pollinators, attracted by flowers' bright colours and sweet nectar. As they collect nectar, pollen sticks to their bodies and is carried to other flowers. Butterflies are also important pollinators, drawn to colourful and fragrant flowers. Their long proboscis allows them to access nectar from deep flowers. Birds, like hummingbirds, pollinate while hovering at flowers with tubular shapes, inserting their long beaks to reach nectar, and inadvertently transferring pollen. Bats, often active at night, pollinate flowers with light colouration and strong scents, and they assist in areas where other pollinators are scarce.
The behaviours of these pollinators are intricately aligned with the characteristics of the flowers they visit, leading to successful reproduction for both plants and pollinators. This mutualistic relationship highlights the significance of pollinators in sustaining ecosystems, promoting genetic diversity, and supporting the production of food and resources.