Requirement 8 (B)
Requirement
Visit an area with flowering plants during pollination season for an hour to observe pollination. Record which pollinators are attracted to which plant. Explain the importance of pollinators and what Scouts can do to support pollinators in their area.
Pollinators
Different plants attract different pollinators based on their color, shape, and scent. Bees are often the first pollinators people think of, but there are other pollinators that help plants with pollination.
Ten Reasons Pollinators Are Important
Pollinators help plants make seeds and fruit, which allows plants to reproduce.
Many of the foods we eat, like apples, berries, squash, and almonds, depend on pollinators.
Pollinators support wildlife by helping grow plants that provide food and shelter.
They help farmers grow crops, which supports local communities and the economy.
Pollinated plants help keep ecosystems healthy and balanced.
Pollinators help produce oxygen by supporting plant growth.
Many medicines come from plants that rely on pollinators.
Pollinators help prevent soil erosion by supporting plant roots that hold soil in place.
They increase plant diversity, which makes ecosystems stronger and more resilient.
Without pollinators, many plant and animal species, including humans, would struggle to survive.
Different Sorts of Pollinators
Astounding Footage of Pollinators
Did You Know:
Several factors contribute to the decline of honeybee populations, a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder:
Parasites:
Mites, such as the varroa mite, can weaken and kill honeybees.
Pesticides and Chemicals:
Insecticides and other chemicals harm honeybees and contaminate their food sources.
Malnutrition
Habitat loss or poor nutrition in pollen and nectar can weaken bee colonies.
Stress
Extreme weather and transportation between pollination sites can stress
Loss of Forage
Habitat destruction reduces the availability of flowering plants.
Template
Template
Use the template to record your observations or as inspiration for your own template design
Now that you have observed pollination in action,
let’s learn the importance of pollination and it’s effects on agriculture.
