Which group of insects is primarily responsible for pollinating flowering plants?

Bees and their relatives are primarily responsible for pollinating flowering plants due to their efficient foraging behaviors and specialized anatomy. These insects have evolved to be highly effective pollinators, possessing adaptations such as hairy bodies that collect pollen, along with the ability to recognize floral cues.

Bees, including honeybees and bumblebees, play a crucial role in the pollination process as they actively visit flowers to gather nectar and pollen for food to sustain their colonies. This process not only aids in food production but also contributes significantly to biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. Their behavior of moving from flower to flower allows for cross-pollination, which is vital for the reproduction of many flowering plants.

While ants, flies, and butterflies all contribute to pollination to some degree, they do not match the specialized characteristics and behaviors found in bees, making bees and their relatives the predominant pollinators of flowering plants.