Could you Imagine Life WITHOUT Chocolate?

What are pollinators?

Pollinators are anything that aids in the movement of pollen from one flower to another. Pollination can be done by animals or wind. Pollination is essentially the transfer of pollen between two flowers of the same species which initiates fertilization and the growth of fruits and seeds. When insects and other animals come into connection with flowers, the pollen gets stuck to their bodies and is transferred to other flowers of the plant. The wind also is a main method of pollination. Pollen is swept up by the wind and transferred to other flowers in this manner thereby pollinating them.

Figure 1: showing bees devouring nectar (Nirvana Rajaram 2021)

Why do pollinators matter?

In the world of agriculture, approximately one thousand (1000) plants are grown for the purpose of food, beverages, species, fibres, and medicine all of which require pollination to produce crop yields. Without pollinators, our diet will be extremely limited. We would not have 80% of the products and food we have available to us. The Cocoa Plant produces flowers that require pollination for the fruit (which is the main ingredient of chocolate) to grow. Without pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, bats, and other animals we would not have any chocolate in the world. 

Figure 2: showing common pollinators (Pacific Nurseries 2021)

How can we save our pollinators?

There are three main methods of saving pollinators, these include: planting crops for pollinators, learning about pollinators, and reducing the impact we have on pollinators. Planting crops for pollinators involves cultivating local plants that provide nectar for pollinators but plants that can also provide food for us. Getting educated about pollinators can be done in many ways, for example, bird watching, or volunteering in local environmentally friendly NGOs who could provide more insightful advice on local pollinators. Lastly, reducing your impact on the environment can be achieved simply by buying local, organic produce, walking or cycling more often, and of course, reducing unnecessary wastage.

Figure 3: showing a nature seeker's photography (Lumen Learning 2021)


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