Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anthers (male structures) to the stigma (female receptive surface) of flowers, enabling fertilization and subsequent seed and fruit formation in seed plants. It can occur via abiotic vectors such as wind and water or biotic agents including insects, birds, bats, and other animals. Pollination biology investigates floral traits, plant–pollinator interactions, pollen viability and compatibility, and temporal/spatial patterns of pollen flow. It is central to studies of plant reproduction, gene flow, population genetics, coevolution, and community ecology, and underpins many agroecological and conservation research programs focused on pollinator services and plant reproductive success.
A new study by plant biologists at the University of California, Santa Cruz, challenges a longstanding idea that stems from the large number of flowers in the mountains of Central and South America that have evolved to be ...
Evolution
Jun 4, 2026
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The nocturnal mating rituals of hairy scarab beetles are helping pollinate one of Perth's most common native trees, in a discovery that highlights the unusual adaptations of Australian plants and the unexpected pollination ...
Plants & Animals
Jun 3, 2026
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Conservationists are in a race against time to prevent one of the world's rarest island plants from disappearing forever, after seeds collected from the only surviving wild Dendroseris neriifolia tree arrived at the Millennium ...
Plants & Animals
May 29, 2026
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In a lot behind a disused West Virginia gas station at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, Roy Funkhouser is surrounded by about a dozen beekeepers and countless buzzing bees.
Ecology
May 19, 2026
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Scientists from Trinity and Technical University of Denmark have developed a new radar-based technique that could address a critical gap in global conservation efforts, by transforming how we identify and track the insects ...
Ecology
May 9, 2026
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The rising popularity of urban beekeeping has raised concerns about honeybee well-being and the impact they might have on wild bee populations in cities. A collaborative study by beekeepers, political stakeholders and research ...
Ecology
Apr 29, 2026
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Scientists at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, CSIRO Darwin Laboratories and La Trobe University have identified key ecological needs of Caladenia formosa (elegant spider-orchid) ...
Plants & Animals
Apr 27, 2026
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With their dazzling blooms, orchids are among the most famous and collected flowering plants on Earth. But orchids are not just beautiful and rare. They can also provide clues into the broader health of global ecosystems.
Plants & Animals
Apr 20, 2026
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Researchers at the University of New England have identified two fly species as promising pollinators for berry crops, offering a vital alternative to European honey bees in protected cropping systems. The results of their ...
Ecology
Apr 14, 2026
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North America's bee populations are in trouble, but don't blame the honey bees. While some people argue that an overabundance of managed honey bees—those raised to help pollinate crops and produce honey—is causing native ...
Ecology
Apr 9, 2026
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