pollinators They play a vital role in the health and balance of ecosystems across the planet. Bees, butterflies, wasps, birds, bats and other animals (mostly insects) actively participate in plant reproduction by transferring pollen from one flower to another. But, Recent years have seen an alarming decline in pollinator populations, threatening not only wildlife diversity but also global food security..
In an environment where insects are becoming increasingly poor, angiosperms Wild (flowering plants) growing in agricultural crops they tend to free themselves from polarizers. According to a scientific study published in the journal ‘New Phytologist’, as they become more difficult to reproduce due to the lack of polarizers, Plants evolve towards self-fertilization.
By comparing some plants currently growing in the Paris area with flowers of the same species ‘resurrected’ in the laboratory from seeds collected in the same area between 1990 and 2000, the research team found: Today’s flowers are 10% smaller than their ancestors, produce 20% less nectar, and are visited less often by pollinators..
Population genetic analysis also reveals that: 27% increase in selfing rates Studies conducted in the field in the last 30 years show the following: Plant mating systems can evolve rapidly in natural populations in response to environmental changes in progress.
The researchers theorize that these rapid advances are due to declining pollinator populations. As a matter of fact, a study conducted in Germany shows the following: more than 75% of biomass vermin Flying birds have disappeared from protected areas in the last three decades.
gradual effects
Research highlights a vicious cycle A decrease in pollinators also causes a decrease in the nectar production of flowers, which can worsen the decline of these insects that cannot find enough food..
Therefore, environmental changes are a Double jeopardy for pollinator populationsBecause they are victims of both these changes and the evolution of plant characteristics. This can lead to: positive eco-evolutionary feedback loop This encourages the decline of pollinators, further reinforcing the evolution of plants towards the self-pollination syndrome.
“This might explain the situation disruption of the plant pollinator network raises an alarming possibility, as documented in a previous study. Cascading effects on food webs beyond plant-pollinator interactions in general,” the report states.
“There is an urgent need to investigate whether these results are symptomatic of a broader pattern between angiosperms and their pollinators, and if so, to understand whether disease is likely. reverse this process and break this positive eco-evolutionary feedback loop,” the document adds.
The authors emphasize the importance of implementing measures to stop this phenomenon as quickly as possible andAllow interactions between plants and pollinators to be maintainedLasting for several million years.
A serious threat
More than 80% of existing angiosperms depend on animals for pollination. The three main reasons for pollinator loss are: habitat destructionnext land use changes –mainly grazing, manure and monoculture–and widespread use of pesticides.
Between effects Decrease in pollinators, decrease in biodiversity, threat to food safety (a large percentage of food crops depend on pollination) and ecosystem destabilization.
Between Measures to protect pollinatorsScientists point out that: protection and restoration of natural habitats Providing suitable environments for pollinators to reproduce and feed; the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices Minimizing pesticide use and encouraging crop diversity can help protect pollinators; the education, awareness and sensitivity about the importance of pollinators and the threats they face; And investigation Reasons for the decline of pollinators and population monitoring Developing effective conservation strategies.
“Decrease in pollinators”serious threat“what requirements”attention immediately And diligent efforts “Protecting these guardians of biodiversity not only protects nature, but also supports food security and the health of the planet,” the experts add.
Reference report: https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.19422
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