Hummingbird: "I have the same beak as your flower"

In nature, although the hummingbirds and flowers we see are independent species, their many behaviors and phenomena, such as interdependence, are very strange and meaningful.

The relationship between hummingbirds and flowers is a fascinating example of co-evolution in nature. Because hummingbirds are the primary pollinators of many plants, their long, curved beaks are suitable for collecting nectar in long-tube flowers, while their short, straight beaks are suitable for collecting nectar in short-tube flowers. This diversity of beaks allows hummingbirds to adapt to different types of flowers, which in turn promotes the reproduction of plants.

The co-evolutionary relationship between hummingbirds and flowers is the result of natural selection. The matching relationship between the length of the hummingbird's beak and the depth of the corolla was formed through long-term natural selection. This relationship enables hummingbirds to effectively absorb nectar from specific types of flowers, while also helping these plants to pollinate. Hummingbirds evolve their beaks based on the morphology of the corolla to better adapt to sucking the corolla. This difference allows different hummingbirds to feed on different plants and avoid food "competition wars".

In addition, the corolla characteristics of some plants, such as long and narrow corollas and bright flower colors, have also evolved to attract bird pollinators such as hummingbirds. This co-evolution not only improves the foraging efficiency and pollination efficiency of hummingbirds and flowers, but also increases species diversity, demonstrating the fine balance and interdependence between species in nature.

(The author Gu Yunfang is the executive director of the Wild Bird Photography Branch of the Shanghai Art Photography Association)