Plant Pollination

Pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from one plant to another and new seeds are born.

In order for that to happen, plants rely on pollinators to transfer the pollen for them.

Bees, butterflies, the wind, and humans can all act as pollinators.

Bees and butterflies are particularly attracted to brightly colored flowers. They travel from flower to flower looking to drink the sweet nectar that is contained deep inside of the flower at the base of the pistil.

While bees and butterflies are drinking nectar, their legs, antennae, wings, and other body parts end up brushing against the pollen anthers.

The pollen sticks to their body and will rub off on other flowers as they travel from one to the next.

When pollen comes into contact with the top of a flower's pistil, it travels to the bottom of the pistil where there is a small flower egg.

The pollen and the egg come together to create a new seed. This is how plants are born!