Hello There, Carlynmaebarcelo!

Here is your answer.

• On the east coast, our native ruby-throated hummingbird is a beloved feathered friend of gardening and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s exciting to catch a glimpse of this colorful yet tiny little bird darting from flower to flower. You may not consider a hummingbird to be in the league of effective pollinators (like our native bees) but it deserves proper recognition.

• Hummingbirds are specialized pollinating powerhouses for a handful of plants native to Virginia. Plants and animals have a long evolutionary history resulting in unique relationships where both species benefit. To secure the next generation, plants entice their dutiful pollinators with the sweet reward of nectar in exchange for the pollinator’s service.

• The cardinal flower, Lobelia cardinalis, and the ruby-throated hummingbird are great examples of this mutualistic relationship. The cardinal flower’s spike of red tubular flowers grabs the bird’s attention, and each individual flower is exquisitely designed to make the most of the hummingbird’s visit. The anther, the male flower part that produces pollen, is perfectly positioned to brush up against the bird’s head as it goes in for nectar. With pollen grains securely deposited, the hummingbird takes off to visit the next flower and, hopefully, transfer the pollen it unknowingly collected.

Hope it helps!

#BrainliestBunch