Pölyttäjät

Pölyttäjät, or pollinators, are organisms that transfer pollen between flowers, enabling fertilization and seed production in flowering plants. They include animals such as insects (bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles), birds (notably hummingbirds and other nectar-feeders in appropriate regions), and bats. Wind can also pollinate many plant species, but this process does not involve animal vectors.

Pollinators visit flowers to obtain nectar or pollen, and pollen grains attach to their bodies. When these animals visit other flowers, some pollen is transferred to the stigma, allowing fertilization and subsequent seed development. The interaction between plants and pollinators is often the result of co-evolution, with many species evolving traits that attract specific pollinators or guide pollen transfer. Pollination success depends on the timing of flowering, pollinator availability, and the compatibility of pollen with the receiving flower.

The role of pollinators is crucial for ecosystems and agriculture. Many flowering plants depend on animal pollination for reproduction, and a substantial portion of crops—such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and coffee—rely on pollinators either exclusively or to enhance yields. The economic and ecological value of pollination is significant, influencing biodiversity and food security.

Pollinators face multiple threats, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, diseases, invasive species, and climate change, which can disrupt their life cycles and phenology. Conservation approaches include restoring and preserving diverse floral habitats, reducing pesticide use, protecting nesting sites for bees, and promoting pollinator-friendly practices in farming and urban planning. See also pollination and co-evolution.