Factors of pollination
Plant characteristics such as different shapes, sizes, colors, scents, and nectar will attract different pollinators. In addition, environmental factors such as altitude, temperature, light, and humidity also influence pollinators’ foraging behavior.
Animal as pollinator
In the wild, there are not only insects and birds that pollinate plants, but also bats, reptiles, and even primates. As the study by Gomes in 2014 has a record of the lizard species (Tropidurus semitaeniatus) support populations Melocactus ernestii (Cactaceae) pollinate. Or research by Kress in 1994 has recognized the lemur (Varecia variegata) as a primate that helps pollinate plants Ravenala madagascariensis.
The characteristics of plants such as shape, size, color, scent, and nectar of different flowers will attract different pollinators. In addition, environmental factors such as altitude, temperature, light, and humidity also influence pollinators’ foraging behavior.
Benefits of pollinator
The relationship between flowering plants and pollinators is an essential factor contributing to the diversification of angiosperm, this biological interaction is the basis for the evolution of flower characteristics in response to natural selection and is called the pollination syndrome. Not only do pollinators play an important role in the ecosystem but also supplies value to human such as biofuels, drugs, food, and construction materials.
Recently, the declining number of pollinators has raised concerns about the loss of animal pollination, creating a “pollination crisis” for wild plant populations.
