Animals & nature · 2019
How could more rain disrupt the relationship between flowers and the animals that pollinate them?
More rain could damage pollen, dilute nectar and disrupt the activities of animals that carry pollen between flowers. A research review identifies these possible problems for plants and their pollinating animals under changing rainfall patterns, but emphasizes that important gaps in the evidence remain.
Details
The review examines how rain could affect the mutually beneficial relationship between plants and the animals that pollinate them. It is not a single experiment comparing wetter and drier conditions. Its central message is that rainfall may affect this relationship through several routes, while effects on individual plants and animals have received relatively little attention.
Changes in rainfall patterns could shift the timing of seasonal events in plants and animals. Rain could also damage pollen or dilute nectar, potentially reducing the survival or reproductive success of plants, pollinating animals, or both. For the animals, rain may create physical and energy-related difficulties and disrupt food gathering or the sensory signals they use.
These are possible pathways, not a demonstration that more rain always causes harm. The abstract does not quantify their effects or establish which species or conditions are most affected; the review highlights those knowledge gaps.
What do you think?
Good conversations begin with curiosity.
You can read comments without an account. Sign in to write.
Loading comments…