S3 Ep8: Summer Series - Primate Pollinator

We're going to be learning about pollination and pollinators this year as we study the grassland biome, and this week's Wild Mysteries episode just happens to be about pollinators.

That's Perfect to go along with chapter four in our book of In the Garden.

Please, please, please tell me we are learning about an animal pollinator.

There are so many perfect

pollinators to choose from.

You'll be happy to know it is an animal species this week.

So you only have around 300,000 or so species to choose from.

I'll even give you a free clue and tell you it's not a bee species.

I guess bees would be too easy.

I'm going to cross bees off my list.

Many people automatically assume insects when they hear the word pollinator because of all the bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and there are lots of invertebrate pollinators.

But I learned that there are nearly 1,000 species of vertebrate animal pollinators also.

Right you are.

In addition to all the insects, vertebrates can be pollinators too.

Even wind and water can help move pollen, and people can transfer pollen to help with pollination as well.

I know you're right, but I don't usually think of humans when I hear the word pollinator.

You taught me that pollination is vital to both food production and natural ecosystems.

It helps maintain biodiversity and keep the food web working

properly.

Of course! Plants can reproduce and make more of themselves through pollination and then fertilization.

When pollinators deliver pollen to flowers, it starts the whole reproduction process.

It's really so amazing.

I just love pollinators and their role in the ecosystem.