It's the spines. This is the conclusion of two new papers, led by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, showing that the spiny pollen from plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) both reduces infection ...
Plants & Animals
Apr 5, 2023
1
5328
There's been a well-documented shift toward earlier springtime flowering in many plants as the world warms. The trend alarms biologists because it has the potential to disrupt carefully choreographed interactions between ...
Evolution
Mar 16, 2023
0
21
A new study has found open, light-filled forest edges support more flowers and pollinators than the dark interior of second-growth forests and the value of these areas should not be overlooked.
Plants & Animals
Feb 23, 2023
0
148
U.S. agriculture owes many thanks to the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.), as it plays the crucial role of pollinator within the nation's food supply. Some of the nation's food industries rely solely on the honeybee, and it's ...
Ecology
Feb 15, 2023
0
129
The search for nectar costs insects a lot of energy, so they have to be as efficient as possible. Colorful patterns on the petals can help with that.
Ecology
Jan 18, 2023
0
25
Scientists have solved the century-old mystery of a supergene that causes efficient cross-pollination in flowers. The results show that sequence length variation at the DNA level is important for the evolution of two forms ...
Ecology
Sep 9, 2022
0
24
Competition for pollinating insects may reduce the ability of plant species to coexist, according to a paper published in Nature. This effect, which may impact plant diversity, is expected to be heightened as the number of ...
Plants & Animals
Jul 21, 2022
0
95
Common air pollutants from both urban and rural environments may be reducing the pollinating abilities of insects by preventing them from sniffing out the crops and wildflowers that depend on them, new research has shown.
Ecology
Jan 20, 2022
0
194
Just like us, many insects need a decent night's sleep to function properly, but this might not be possible if they have been exposed to neonicotinoid insecticides, the most common form of insecticide used worldwide, suggests ...
Plants & Animals
Jan 21, 2021
3
539
Some beetles go to great—and disgusting—lengths for their children.
Plants & Animals
Jan 17, 2021
0
344
