CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON PLANT-POLLINATOR DYNAMICS: SHIFTING INTERACTIONS AND ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES


Prof. Dheerendra Vadiraj
Asst Professor, Department of Botany, K L E Society’s Shri Shivayogi Murghendra Swmiji Arts,Science & Commerce College Athani 591205- Karnataka
Abstract
The mutualistic relationship between plants and pollinators is essential for the functioning of ecosystems and the provision of critical ecosystem services, including food production. However, climate change is rapidly altering the environmental conditions that shape these interactions. This paper investigates the impact of climate change on plant-pollinator dynamics, focusing on how shifts in temperature, precipitation, and seasonal timing influence flowering patterns, pollinator behavior, and overall ecosystem health. We explore how changes in climate variables may lead to phenological mismatches between plants and their pollinators, which could affect plant reproduction and the abundance of pollinator species. Drawing on data from field surveys, climate models, and recent literature, we analyze observed shifts in flowering times, pollinator activity patterns, and the phenological synchrony between plants and pollinators across diverse ecosystems. Our results suggest that altered climatic conditions are causing earlier plant blooming, with varying effects on pollinator populations, which in turn influence pollination success and biodiversity. Additionally, we discuss the ecological consequences of these shifts, including potential cascading effects on plant community composition, agricultural yields, and broader ecosystem stability. The findings emphasize the urgent need for adaptive conservation strategies to protect plant-pollinator interactions in the face of ongoing climate change. The paper concludes with recommendations for further research, including the exploration of specific plant-pollinator interactions in a changing climate and the potential for adaptive behaviors in both plants and pollinators.
Keywords: Climate Change, Plant-Pollinator Interactions, Phenological Mismatch, Pollinator Behavior, Ecosystem Services
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR)

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Published on : 2025-02-24

Vol : 11
Issue : 2
Month : February
Year : 2025
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