Pollination by Animals

 It is estimated by scientists that about 90% of angiosperms employ animals as a means to transfer pollen. These animals include birds such as a hummingbird, bats, and different insects such as moths, butterflies, bees, and beetles. How the plant achieves the desired pollination is by offering the animal a meal. The flower provides nectar, which is a high energy fluid, and in return the animals transfer pollen from flower to flower. But what attracts the animals to the flowers in the first place? The colorful petals and the sweet smells of course. Birds are attracted to bright colors such as reds, and oranges but do not care for the smells, where as insects like bees are drawn to the flowers by the fruity scents they produce but are completely indifferent to what color the flowers are. Some flowers, like the Carrion Flower and the Rafflesia, attract carrion flies and beetles by producing a smell that mimics the stench of rotting flesh.


Biology: Concepts & Connections. Jane B. Reece; Jean L. Dickey; Martha R. Taylor; Kelly Hogan; Eric J. Simon; Neil A. Campbell. Chapter 17 - The Evolution of Plant and Fungal Diversity. Page - 353. Section 17.10 - Pollination by animals has influenced angiosperm evolution.

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