pollinator

Everyday

1. A pollinator is an animal, usually an insect like a bee, butterfly or moth, that carries pollen from one flower to another so the plant can make seeds and fruit. tree →
2. Some birds (like hummingbirds), bats and even the wind can act as pollinators. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on plants and life cycles, pollinators are vital: without them, many fruits and vegetables would not grow. In environment lessons, pollinators like bees are in danger from loss of wildflowers and pesticides, so schools plant bee-friendly gardens. Phrases: «pollinator garden», «important pollinators», «attract pollinators».

Examples

• Bees are the best-known pollinators. tree →
• Hummingbirds are pollinators in the Americas. tree →
• We planted lavender to attract pollinators. tree →
• Without pollinators, there would be far fewer apples. tree →
• Moths are night-time pollinators. tree →
• Pesticides can harm pollinators. tree →
• Our school made a pollinator garden by the playground. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Related: pollen (the yellow powder), pollinate (verb), pollination (the process). The wind is sometimes called a pollinator, but usually the word means animals.