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Pollination

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A bee pollinating a rose — a beautiful example of how plants and insects work together in nature!

What is Pollination?

Pollination is a special way that plants make new seeds. It happens when tiny bits called pollen move from one part of a flower to another. This helps plants grow fruits and vegetables for us to eat.

Who Helps with Pollination?

Many friendly helpers carry the pollen. Beetles and flies are early helpers. Bees, butterflies, birds, and bats love visiting flowers. They get food and help the plants at the same time. Sometimes, wind or water can carry pollen, too!

Why is Pollination Important?

Pollination is very important for our food. Without it, we would have fewer fruits and vegetables. Farmers bring in bees to help crops like almonds, apples, and strawberries grow better. Pollinators also help plants stay strong and spread their seeds.

Fun Fact

Did you know that bees have special legs to carry pollen? They visit many flowers each day, helping plants all around!

Images

Microscopic view of pollen grains from different plants found in the air over South Europe, including oak, pine, and grasses.
A close-up science image showing pollen tubes growing inside a tomato flower.
A beautiful Anna's Hummingbird feeding on flowers.
A close-up of a bee covered in pollen, highlighting its role in pollination.
A close-up of a honey bee's leg showing a pollen basket filled with pollen grains.
Microscopic view of pollen grains from a common grass plant, Dactylis glomerata.
A bee visiting a cactus flower, showing how insects help plants grow.
A wasp collecting pollen from a flower, helping plants grow.
A young Geranium incanum flower showing its petals and developing reproductive parts.
A beautiful Geranium incanum flower showing both mature and budding blossoms.
A close-up of a Geranium incanum flower showing its stigma ready to receive pollen.
Chart showing which crops depend on pollinators like bees and butterflies to help them grow.
A chart showing changes in the number of honeybee colonies in the United States from 1982 to 2015.

Related articles

Pollen
Flower
Crops
Strawberry

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Pollination, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.