Zoom! Pollinators?

What is a pollinator?

Pollinators are animals that help plants reproduce. Pollinators move pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part (of the same or another flower). If a flower is fertilized, it produces fruit and seeds. In the right conditions, these seeds will grow into new plants.

Some pollinators – like bees – collect pollen to eat. Others pick up and move pollen by chance while feeding on sweet flower nectar.

The honey bee is the pollinator we all know best. Humans have transported honey bees around the world to help pollinate food crops. We can thank honey bees for our delicious apples and tasty nuts!

However, honey bees are not the only insect pollinators! Many insects, including native bees, wasps, moths, and butterflies, pollinate plants too.

Beyond insects, some bats, mice, and birds are pollinators. Maybe even giraffes, who feed on the flowers of certain acacia trees.

Can you name the animal pollinators in these close-ups?

Click the All tab to view the answers. Click on each of the numbers to see the objects zoomed out and to learn something interesting about each one!