When Flowers Change Their Signals
A flower's color change can be less a farewell than a redirection. In some species, pollination sets off a shift in petal pigments, turning a blossom that once advertised nectar into a different kind of signal. The message matters. Insects that learn it can spend more time visiting flowers that still offer a reward.The chemistry is not merely decorative. Pollination can trigger hormonal changes, i...More
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