Bees are specialized pollinators with morphological and behavioral
adaptations that facilitate the collection and transfer of pollen. Bees
are equipped with branched hairs perfect for transporting pollen. On
some bee species, these hairs are arranged in clusters called
“pollen-baskets or scopa” on the bee legs or the underside of their
abdomens. Some flowers have anthers that must be vibrated at a specific
frequency by buzz-pollinating bees to release their pollen.
Tongue-length can also be specialized among different species of bees. A
longer tongue allows some bees to reach nectar deep inside tubular
flowers. Bees visit flowers to collect nectar, pollen, essential oils,
and plant resins. Bees use pollen as a source of protein, particularly
during the larval growth phase. Nectar is a source of carbohydrates
fueling the bee for energetically demanding tasks. Plant oils are
sometimes collected by male bees to attract female mates, while plant
resins are helpful building materials for the structure of the nest. As
bees forage for these necessities, they inadvertently transfer pollen
from plant to plant, thus increasing fruit and seed set as well as the
genetic diversity of the offspring of the plants they visit. Many fruit,
vegetable and seed crops and crops providing human medicines, fibers,
fuels and livestock forage are directly dependent on bee pollination
services.