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Learn how the foxglove flower has coevolved with the bumblebee to increase pollination efficacy

Learn how the foxglove flower has coevolved with the bumblebee to increase pollination efficacy

Insects and flowers have coevolved over millions of years, each deriving benefits from the other
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Transcript

NARRATOR: Insects are important agents of pollination.

Flowers have evolved to produce the colors, scent, and food sources that will be most attractive to insects.

In their quest for food, insects brush against anthers and stigmas, effectively cross-pollinating flowers. Insects are blissfully unaware of their vital role in the life cycles of the plants they pollinate.

Some flowers, such as these foxgloves, have evolved in parallel with their insect pollinators.

The size and shape of the flowers ideally suit the bumblebee.

The markings and hairs on the lower petals serve as a landing strip to guide the pollinator straight to the nectaries.
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