IJMEC_2024v14n1

International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 10-17 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 14 4.1.2 Maintenance of diversity Pollen pollinators also help maintain genetic diversity within plant populations. They ensure the mixing of gene pools among different individuals in the plant population by transferring pollen from different plant individuals to the pollinated plants. This diversity helps plant populations better adapt and survive in the face of environmental changes. In addition, diverse pollen pollinators can promote competition and coexistence among different plant species, thereby maintaining the stability of the ecosystem. Ammania senegalensis Lam. is a widely distributed wild plant with yellow flowers that attract various butterflies as pollinators. Different types of butterflies may visit different flowers, thereby transmitting pollen from different individuals to other plant individuals. The pollinators of this diversity can promote genetic mixing between different plant individuals, helping to maintain genetic diversity within the butterfly grass population. 4.2 Adaptation evolution of plants to pollen pollinators 4.2.1 Selection of pollen pollinators Plants attract specific pollen pollinators through their evolutionary adaptive characteristics. This includes the color, shape, odor, and rewards generated by the flowers (such as nectar or pollen). This choice helps plants attract the most effective pollinators and increases the success rate of pollen transmission. The adaptive evolution of plants is closely related to the symbiotic relationship between pollen pollinators. Rhododendrons typically have bright flower colors such as red, pink, or orange, which attract pollinators such as bees (Figure 4). Meanwhile, azaleas provide nectar as a reward to attract bees for pollination. Bees gradually choose to feed on azalea nectar and transmit pollen between flowers, thus maintaining this mutualistic symbiotic relationship. The color and nectar production of azaleas may evolve over time to better adapt to different types of bees. Figure 4 Rhododendron and honeybees 4.2.2 Evolution of symbiotic relationships The symbiotic relationship between pollen pollinators and plants is constantly evolving. Plants gradually adjust their flower characteristics to adapt to different pollinators, and pollinators may also evolve more effective methods to obtain plant rewards. This collaborative evolution helps both parties better adapt to each other, thereby improving the success rate of pollination. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for maintaining the stability of ecosystems, as it supports interdependence between different plants and pollinators. Some plants in the orchid family have evolved special mechanisms for interacting with bees and butterflies. The flowers of orchids usually have complex shapes and colors, attracting bees or butterflies. In addition, some orchids have special structures that can serve as landing platforms for bees, making it easy for them to spread pollen. This symbiotic relationship helps orchids attract suitable pollinators, who also benefit from pollen and rewards (Xiong and Huang, 2019).

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