International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 10-17 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 11 understanding of the interaction between pollen pollinators and plants, and to provide scientific basis for future research and conservation work. 2 Pollen Pollinator Interaction The interaction between pollen pollinators and plants plays an important role in different ecosystems, which is of great significance for understanding the structure and function of ecosystems, as well as how to protect and manage biodiversity. A deeper understanding of the interaction between pollen pollinators and plants will help better maintain the balance of natural ecosystems. 2.1 Diversity of pollen pollinators Pollen pollinators are a diverse group in ecosystems, including insects, birds, and bats. These diverse pollinators play an indispensable role in plant reproduction (Földesi et al., 2021). Insects are one of the most widespread pollinators of pollen, including bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles (Figure 1). They transmit pollen between flowers to obtain nectar or pollen as a food resource. Different types of insects have different preferences for the pollination methods of plants and the characteristics of flowers, which leads to the formation of various symbiotic relationships. Bees are one of the most common pollinators of pollen, with a highly developed social structure that provides important services for pollination of many crops and wild plants. Figure 1 Insect honey collection Birds are also important pollinators of pollen, especially in tropical and subtropical ecosystems in some regions. They usually attract bright flowers and obtain nectar by passing pollen between them. Different types of birds have different beak shapes and flight abilities, allowing them to adapt to different types of flowers. Hummingbirds (Trochilidae) are one of the main pollinators in tropical and subtropical regions, feeding on nectar with their high-speed vibrating wings and long beaks, and transmitting pollen between flowers. Bats play a special role as pollinators in some ecosystems of certain regions. They usually move around at night and attract light colored flowers. The pollination mechanism of bats typically involves a long tongue that adapts to specific types of flowers. This relationship is particularly significant in some islands and tropical regions. The long nosed bat is a common bat that feeds on nectar with its long and narrow tongue and spreads pollen at night, which is crucial for pollination in some tropical plants. 2.2 The relationship between pollen pollinators and plants The mutualistic symbiotic relationship is one of the most typical interaction patterns between pollen pollinators and plants (Xiong and Huang, 2019). Plants provide nectar, pollen, or other resources as rewards to attract pollinators to transmit pollen and achieve reproduction. Pollinators obtain food resources through this process, which is a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties. Pollen competition and strategy are another interactive mode, where various flowers compete for visits from pollinators. Plants may adopt different strategies, such as changing the color, shape, or fragrance of flowers, to attract more pollinators. This competition promotes the diversification of plant traits and helps improve their pollination success rate.
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