CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC POLLINATORS AND THEIR ROLE IN MAINTAINING THE VARIABILITY, ADAPTABILITY AND DIVERSITY OF FLORISTIC SPECIES

Abstract

The mutualism between flora and fauna has been observed since the studies of Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin, where interactions for mutual benefits sustained life. Pollination constitutes an essential process for the perpetuation of numerous plant species and can occur in two ways: self-pollination, where pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant; and cross-pollination, where pollen from one flower is transferred to the stigma of another flower on a different plant. The adaptability of species through the pollination process has allowed variability to extend due to pollinating agents, encompassing not only bees but also other biotic agents (animals), including various types of insects and even mammals such as bats; and abiotic agents, such as water and wind. In order to identify and classify the diverse pollinating agents, maintaining equal importance among them, scientific studies were used in their entirety to promote teaching and learning and raise awareness about the preservation of floral diversity and variability. This, in turn, contributes to the preservation of faunal diversity through pollination processes. It was possible to identify the intensified existence of Angiosperm species and their adaptations to the pollination process, such as flower shapes, colors, textures, and aromas. Pollinating agents, both biotic and abiotic, were identified as the main source ensuring the genetic variability of species, playing a crucial role in preserving and maintaining floral diversity.