Co-evolution of Plants and Pollinators
Grade Level: 9-12

Summary: The great diversity of insect species on earth can be attributed, in large part, to the process of insects co-evolving with plant species. Co-evolution is a change in the genetic composition of one species (or group) in response to a genetic change in another. In this lesson, students will learn about co-evolution of mutualistic relationships while studying the roles of pollinators and plants.

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Activity 1:
The Sex Lives of Flowering Plants

Students compare and contrast features of flowers to become familiar with flower morphology and the mutual benefits of pollination for flowers and pollinators.

Related Links:

Enchanted Learning: Flower Anatomy
The Great Plant Escape: Flower Parts

Featured video clips in this activity:

Plant Reproduction In order to reproduce, plants depend upon insects or other creatures for pollination - a very important process that is often overlooked.

Activity 2:

Comparing Moths and Butterflies
Students will compare and contrast the feeding behaviors of moths and butterflies to learn about the process of co-evolution.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Researching he Feeding Habits of Moths - Part 1 Researchers collect floral scents and use camera equipment to study how and why moths are attracted to certain flowers.

Researching the Feeding Habits of Moths - Part 2 Researchers use powdered day-glo paint to help them observe how moths feed on and pollinate flowers.

Paynes Prairie, Florida - Butterflies The moist environment of a hardwood hammock draws numerous butterflies, including sulfurs, skippers and a gulf fritillary.

Activity 3:

The Secret Lives of Pollinators
Students use their knowledge of co-evolution to predict specific matches between pollinators and flowers.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Wide World of Pollinators Bees, hummingbirds, moths and bats are just some of the creatures that pollinate the flowering plants of the world.