Live Exploration: Georgia Pollinators

In this episode of Things Explained, we look at the importance of pollinators like bees and the important role they play in our daily lives. We also explain the decline in bee population and why this is so alarming.

This video segment adapted from NOVA explains how flowers play a central role in the reproductive cycle of plants. Their striking array of colors, patterns, fragrances, and nectar all require lots of energy to produce. But it is these features that attract insects and other animals, which, in turn, carry genetic material from flower to flower. The video and illustration describe various parts of the reproductive system, including the stamens and pistil, which generate seeds and ensure the survival of an enormous variety of plant species.

Dr. Thomas Rosburg, professor of ecology and biology at Drake University, describes the unique pollination and seed dispersal method of the Swamp Milkweed.

Pollinators are often overlooked, but in reality are overwhelmingly crucial animals in maintaining ecosystem health and productivity. By enabling plant reproduction, bees and other insects hold the key to keeping wild systems functioning. Learn how scientists and everyday people can help pollinators by changing farming practices and by planting pollinator gardens. 

Our native honeybee population is in danger. In this video segment, adapted from QUEST, you'll learn about the work of pollination and our dire need to ensure that we have a strong population of honeybees.

Pollinators like bees, birds, and bats contribute to the biodiversity and resilience of ecosystems and benefit people. What can we do to protect them?

Honeybees' role in the pollination process makes them vital to the food supply. Agriculture depends on increasing the number of honeybees on farms. Research scientists study ways of saving the valuable honeybee population, which is on the decline in some areas due to parasites, Varroa mites, and pesticides.

Host Sharon Collins learns about the amazing world of bees, their importance to our economy, and factors contributing do their decline.

Honey bees make honey from nectar to fuel their flight – and our sweet tooth. But they also need pollen for protein. So they trap, brush and pack it into baskets on their legs to make a special food called bee bread.

Scientists first identified colony collapse disorder in the 2000s. The phenomenon caught the public’s attention. So did a fact few realized: honeybees play an integral role in the national food supply. One result of awareness about colony collapse disorder is a new concern and respect for the honeybee. But the mystery of what’s happening to the bees has only deepened over time. This lesson plan moves beyond concern for the agricultural importance of honeybees to explore the role that pollinators play in ecosystems. Students will learn how pollinators support the sexual reproduction of plants and healthy ecosystems.