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Angiosperm-Pollinator Coevolution

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State

Many angiosperm flower traits — color, scent, nectar, and shape — evolved alongside the sensory and feeding traits of animal pollinators.

Show

A tubular red flower with abundant nectar and little scent matches a hummingbird's long bill, strong color vision, and weak smell.

Watch for

Not every angiosperm relies on an animal pollinator — grasses and many trees rely on wind, forgoing showy flowers.