Pollination and Bees

Pollination is the process of moving pollen from one flower to another. This is how plants make seeds and fruit. Bees are the most important pollinators in the world. Without pollination, many of the foods we eat would not exist.

How Bees Pollinate

When a bee visits a flower to drink nectar, pollen sticks to its fuzzy body. When the bee visits the next flower, some pollen rubs off. This transfers pollen between flowers, which lets them make seeds. A single bee can visit thousands of flowers in one day.

Other Pollinators

Bees are not the only pollinators. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats also spread pollen. Some flowers are pollinated by the wind. A few plants even use water to carry their pollen. Each type of pollinator is attracted to different kinds of flowers.

Fun Facts

• About one-third of all the food we eat depends on pollinators.
• A single honeybee can visit up to 5,000 flowers in one day.
• Some flowers open only at night and are pollinated by bats and moths.

Did You Know?

Flowers have special colors and patterns that humans cannot see but bees can! These ultraviolet patterns are like landing strips that guide bees to the nectar.