Why are so many flowers brightly coloured, scented and full of nectar?
These flowers rely on animals — insects, birds or bats — to carry pollen from one plant to another (cross-pollination).
These flowers rely on animals — insects, birds or bats — to carry pollen from one plant to another (cross-pollination). Bright colours and scent advertise the flower from a distance, and nectar is the reward that lures the pollinator in. As the animal feeds, pollen sticks to its body and gets carried to the next flower. The showy features are essentially adverts to attract a pollen courier.
Key point
Colour, scent and nectar attract animal pollinators that carry pollen between plants.
Common mistake
thinking flowers are colourful merely to look attractive to us.
Memory tip
the 'advert + reward' of a flower is aimed at pollinators, not people.
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