Importance of pollination and pollinators

Animals pollinate approximately 75 percent of the crop plants grown worldwide for food, fiber, beverages, condiments, spices, and medicines. Pollination and pollinators are vital to ecosystems and the sustenance of food chains.

Let us take a look at these few direct importances:

Food supply

Many foods that humans depend on, such as melons, almonds, pears, apples, peppers, coffee, and soybeans are all from plants that depend on bees for pollination. Think about what will happen if bee populations fall. Many other plants that are food for animals depend on pollination. Pollinators are responsible for the survival of 30% of the human food supply and 90% of our wild plants.

Ecosystem survival

In the study of food chains and food webs, we understand that a shortage or absence of one part of it can have serious consequences on entire food chains. Since all food chains begin with producers (green plants) green plants must retain their processes of reproduction. This means it is key for pollinators and plants to interact to keep the food chain intact.

Quality seed production

Pollinators help with cross-pollination, ensuring that good quality fertilization occurs and viable seeds are produced. Pollinators ensure the health of plant communities.

Indirect Importance

Healthy plants that reproduce naturally play a key role in climate control, soil control as well as help keep fresh waters clean.