In this post, you will learn about pollination: the process of pollen transfer between flower parts. Then, you will read about the important role that insect pollinators like honeybees play in this process.
Before we dive in: If you’re an educator planning to teach pollinators and pollination, great learning resources are key to deepening understanding! You can download a printable handout version of this article with a vocab list and review activity! Or, you can also find these materials within my complete Insects Unit (plus you’ll support my blog with your purchase! ❤️)
What is Pollination?
Pollination is the movement of pollen from one flower part to another. Specifically, pollen is moved from the stamen (male flower part) to the carpel (female flower part) of a flower. After a flower is pollinated, a fruit begins to grow. Fruits contain seeds, which will grow into new plants.
What are Pollinators?
Plants cannot move. So how do they get their pollen from the stamen of one flower to the carpel of another? Many plants rely on animals called pollinators to help with pollination. Pollinators are animals that carry pollen from flower to flower. Many pollinators are insects, such as bees. However, birds, mammals, and other animals can also be pollinators!
Pollinators visit flowers to feed on flower nectar or pollen. When they do this, they help carry pollen from one plant to another. Pollen from the stamen attaches to the body of a pollinator. As the pollinator visits other flowers, some of the pollen rubs off onto their carpels.
Working Together: Pollinators and Plants
Plants and pollinators have a symbiotic relationship – a close relationship between two living things. Both the plant and pollinator benefit from this close relationship. The pollinator gets a tasty meal of nectar. The plant gets pollinated so it can make seeds and reproduce. It’s a win-win!
Pollinators are very important in their ecosystems because they help plants make fruits and reproduce. Many pollinated plants produce fruits, seeds, and leaves that other animals eat. Pollinators also help humans because they pollinate many of our food crops. For example, a tomato could not form from a tomato plant’s flower without being pollinated by a bee!
Download this Article As a Printable Handout
Includes a vocab list and review activity worksheets – ideal for classroom use!
Or: Find these materials within my complete Insects Unit
There’s no need to scramble to put together the perfect insects lesson – I’ve already created it for you! This set includes all the printable materials you need for studying insects.
Key Vocab from this Post:
- Carpel – The female flower part that receives pollen and later develops into a fruit with seeds.
- Nectar – A sweet liquid made by flowers that attracts pollinators.
- Pollen – Tiny grains made by the stamen that help plants make seeds and grow new plants.
- Pollination – The movement of pollen from the stamen to the carpel of a flower.
- Pollinator – An animal that carries pollen from flower to flower.
- Stamen – The male flower part that makes pollen.
- Symbiotic relationship – A close relationship between two living things.
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