Eläinpölytykseen

Eläinpölytys, also known as zoophily, is a method of pollination whereby pollen is transferred from one flower to another by an animal. This is the most common form of pollination, with approximately 80% of all flowering plants relying on it. Animals involved in pollination are collectively known as pollinators.

The process typically begins when a pollinator, such as an insect, bird, bat, or even a mammal, visits a flower to collect nectar or pollen as a food source. As the animal moves around within the flower, pollen grains adhere to its body. When the animal then visits another flower of the same species, some of this pollen rubs off onto the stigma, the receptive part of the female reproductive organ of the flower, facilitating fertilization and the production of seeds and fruits.

Flowers that rely on animal pollination often have adaptations to attract their specific pollinators. These can include bright colors, attractive scents, and the production of nectar. The morphology of the flower may also be adapted to ensure efficient pollen transfer by certain animals. For example, the shape and size of a flower might be suited to the beak of a specific bird or the proboscis of a particular insect.

Common animal pollinators include bees, which are highly efficient due to their hairy bodies that readily pick up pollen, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, and wasps. In some regions, birds like hummingbirds, sunbirds, and honeyeaters are significant pollinators, particularly for flowers with tubular shapes. Bats are also important pollinators, especially in tropical and desert environments, often visiting night-blooming flowers.