Because every day you have to learn a little more about the world that surrounds us, in this ecology article we want to talk to you about the importance of the nectar of flowers. This useful substance for the balance of our ecosystem, has specific components designed by nature after a lot of evolution time to attract pollinators. In fact, it is so important that humans have begun to manufacture our own artificial nectar.
Do you feel like knowing a little more about him, its importance and how does it affect the planet? If so, we invite you to take a look at this article about What is the nectar and its functionso that you win more knowledge to take care and respect nature.
What is the nectar of flowers
We define that substance in state liquid containing sugars and other nutritional compounds segregated by plants. Therefore, it is called nectarium to that area of the plant where the nectar is segregated or located, either inside or base of the flowers or in areas far from the flowers. The latter are known as extrafloral nectaries.
But, What does the nectar contain? The nectar has sugars such as sucrose, glucose and fructose as the main ingredient, as well as water, since it is in a liquid state. In addition, other diverse phytochemicals are added to these sugars whose function is that of attract pollinators or repel the predators. Specifically, it will be carbohydrates and amino acids that stimulate pollinators and alkaloids and polyphenols, also part of the nectar, who are responsible for protecting the plant from possible predators.
According to several investigations, the nectar existed before the first flowers appeared. This was a consequence of an expulsion of accumulated sap due to accelerated growth of the plant thanks to favoring agents, such as the climate of the area where the specimen was found. Hence, even today, we find varieties of plants with leaves capable of segregating nectar when they reach maturity. These extrafloral nectaries usually bring insects as ants that are able to eliminate more harmful pests and even dissuade other insects to use the plant as a place where to put their eggs, as with the butterflies.
Therefore, it is believed that evolution has been the main responsible for the improvement and creation of floral nectaries and that they have evolved from these glands to eliminate excess of the sap of the plants to call the attraction of the Polynizer animals.
What function does the nectar of flowers
As we have just explained, one of the main functions of the nectarperhaps the most important, is that of attract pollinatorsespecially bees. These, like other insects and animals, are able to take the nectar and turn it into their main food. But, in addition to that, without being fully aware, they not only secrete the nectar, but to catch the pollen in their legs and other limbs to take it to the next flower and thus fulfill the complete cycle of Plant pollination.
Hence, since many years ago, there is so much concern about the number of bees that exist today on our planet, because its populations have been very reduced. The bees fulfill one of the most important functions for the reproduction of plants, thus keeping the balance of our atmosphere and our habitat. Here we tell you why bees are in danger of extinction and what are the plants and flowers that attract bees, just thanks to their nectar.
Thus, we can say that the nectar of flowers is one of the main agents not only of natural ecosystems, but in general life on earth.
Animals that feed on nectar
To the animals that feed on flower nectar They are known as nectarivores or nectivoros. Within this group, although most are mainly insects and birds, we also find some types of reptiles and even bats.
Remember that, as we have already mentioned, it is very possible that the nectar has emerged as part of the evolution of the plants over the centuries to get more pollinating agents. In fact, nectarivorous animals are the most important pollinators for many plant species, more than wind or other agents.
Being a little more specific, we can say that The bees They are the main pollinators since they not only feed on the nectar, but they manufacture their own thanks to a complex process. Other insects that also feed on the nectar and that you sure know are The fly and butterfly. Within the birds, we cannot forget about Colibría tiny bird whose peak has evolved to get as much nectar possible. In this other post you can discover more about what are the pollinating insects and their importance.
Now that you know better What is the nectar of flowers and their functionwe encourage you to discover more about bees, which, as we have indicated, are the main consumers of this nectar and thanks to this the main pollinating insects. By consuming this nectar, bees feed and produce honey. Here you can learn how bees make honey.
What is the artificial nectar
Finally, we want to add what is called artificial nectar to the one who is manufactured to attract nectarivorous animals. This, as its name indicates, is not manufactured by the plant, but is a very similar mixture created by humans as a Food complement. However, this lacks proteins and micronutrients.
The artificial nectar is widely used in beekeeping When honey reserves are low during the cold months or if during spring there is no favorable flowering for the development of the hive. For example, you can manufacture your own artificial nectar boiling a liter of water and adding 2 parts of refined sugar to the mixture.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is the nectar and its functionwe recommend that you enter our biology category.
