Definition & Meaning of "pollinator"

What is "pollinator"?

Pollinator refers to organisms that facilitate the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive structures of a flower to the female reproductive structures, which leads to fertilization and the production of seeds. Some common pollinators are bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats, but many other animals also act as pollinators. The role of pollinators is crucial for the reproduction and survival of many plants, and thus for the functioning of entire ecosystems. Unfortunately, many pollinator species are threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and other human activities, which can have far-reaching ecological and economic consequences.