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Pollinators are critical to the continuation of many flowering plant species. Without help transporting pollen from one flower to another, some plants would be unable to reproduce and thus would be lost. When a task is so critical, it is important to have more than one worker on the job. In this lesson, students will explore some of the lesser-known pollinators that keep our world growing.

Over many millennia, native plants and animals have evolved — or adapted — in response to changes in the physical and biological characteristics of their region, allowing them to form intricate relationships and making them uniquely suited to life in their native habitat. Studying the relationships among native species and their importance in supporting the biodiversity of a habitat can deepen students’ understanding of the natural world and encourage environmental stewardship.

How plants are classified can offer intriguing insights because the characteristics that contribute to family groupings provide information about the pollinators attracted to the plants.

Flowers and pollinators have coevolved over countless millennia, resulting in a variety of floral adaptations to maximize the chance of pollination.

The great variety in flower shape, size, color, fragrance, patterns, timing of bloom, and other characteristics is the result of plants’ close association with their main pollinators.

Over 75% of all flowering plants are pollinated by insects and other animals. This article features pollinator profiles and planting tips to feed and shelter these vital garden visitors.