The Coevolution of Plants and Pollinators

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The term “coevolution” is defined as “the mutual changes in two or more species, usually one following the other, that affect their interactions”(Jarzen and Dilcher, 2010). The most widely known coevolutionary relationship is between flowering plants (angiosperms) and their pollinators. Over many years, plants and animals have evolved to create a shared evolutionary history. This relationship helps to support a diverse ecosystem and creates a healthy balance. Without pollinators, flowering plants would struggle to thrive, and without the nectar from these flowers, the pollinators would be struggling as well as it is a major source of energy for them. It is estimated that 75% of plant species need a pollinator’s assistance to pass on their pollen (Insect Pollination: Process, Diagram & Adaptations, 2021). 

Flowers have adapted to support pollinators that include insects like bees, butterflies, moths, flies, etc. as well as birds and bats- in return, these pollinators help with fertilization from one plant to another. Some of the adaptations that flowers have include bright colors and distinct patterns to attract a specific pollinator, a scent that draws in a certain insect or bird, and production of chemicals that insects such as bees produce in order to attract the opposite sex (Coevolution of Plants and Animal Pollinators). Some of the adaptations that insects have are different lengths of proboscises which allow insects to drink nectar, attraction to certain scents, and other characteristics more specific to different insect species. For example, certain bees, including bumblebee species, use buzz pollination which is when a bee lands on a flower and causes vibrations with their flight muscles, releasing pollen from inside the anther that would otherwise be inaccessible (Bumblebee Conservation Trust). Here is a link to a short video showing buzz pollination by a bumblebee.
Image Source: ScienceFacts.net 

Another example of a coevolutionary relationship is between the orchid species Angraceum sesquipedale (star orchid) and its pollinator, the moth species Xanthopan morganii praedicta. Over time, the moth developed a long proboscis to be able to insert into the tube that is connected to the orchid which allows it to drink the nectar. The plant benefits because its prized pollen is not so easily reachable, except by this special moth with a long tongue that can get to the nectar and in turn pollinate another star orchid to create offspring.
Image Source: Washington Native Plant Society 
Video of the star orchid and Xanthopan morganii 

The mutualism between plants and their pollinators is also super important and helpful for humans. Sheldon Owen, a wildlife specialist, explains that pollination from insects contributes from $18 to $27 billion in crop production value in the United States per year (2021). In addition, approximately 35% of the plants we eat need pollination; so if the pollinator populations decrease, so does plant diversity and many of our essential food sources will be lost (Owen, 2021). Unfortunately, when invasive species are introduced into an area, there is a lack of shared coevolutionary history and the balance is disrupted. The balance is also disrupted by climate change, habitat loss, pesticide use, and disease. Some of the ways to help prevent the loss of native pollinators include the use of IPM (integrated pest management) as well as adding native plants to landscapes (Owen, 2021). These options help to increase biodiversity and increase responsibility for taking care of pests if they become an ongoing issue. 

Coevolution is a fascinating and complex system that shows just a glimpse of how interconnected species are and how important it is to be able to protect these systems that have developed over long periods of time.

Sources: Jarzen, D. M., & Dilcher, D. L. (2010). Coevolution between flowering plants and insect pollinators. AccessScience. Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB100138 Insect Pollination: Process, Diagram & Adaptations. (2021, January 31). Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/insect-pollination-process-diagram-adaptations.html. Buzz pollination - Bumblebee Conservation Trust. (2017, October 5). Bumblebee Conservation Trust. https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/bee-faqs/buzz-pollination/ Insect Pollinators. (2021). Extension | West Virginia University. https://extension.wvu.edu/natural-resources/wildlife/insect-pollinators https://www.chegg.com/learn/biology/introduction-to-biology/coevolution-of-plants-and-animal-pollinators

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