Final answer:
It is true that insects and birds pollinate flowering plants, which is essential for the reproduction of these plants and the production of food crops. Hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators are attracted to specific flower characteristics for nectar and pollen, and the decline in their populations threatens ecosystem balance and food security.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that insects and birds pollinate flowering plants, including crop plants, is true. Pollination is a vital ecological process in which pollinators such as bees, flies, wasps, and various species of birds play an essential role. For instance, hummingbirds and sun birds serve as pollinators for certain plants like orchids and other wildflowers. They are attracted to the brightly colored, odorless flowers which are usually sturdy and tubular, allowing the bird's beak access without entangling its wings.
On the other side, many insects contribute to pollination, with bees being the most significant for both garden plants and commercial fruit trees. These insects are drawn to flowers that offer nectar and pollen, which provide energy and protein, respectively. Flowers have evolved to attract these pollinators with specific colors, scents, and shapes. The mutualistic relationship between plants and pollinators is critical, as it affects the reproduction of the plants and the food supply, including over 150 food crops in the United States alone.
Unfortunately, pollinator populations are in decline due to factors like habitat loss, indiscriminate pesticide use, and diseases such as colony collapse disorder. This poses a significant threat to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and agricultural production, ultimately affecting human food resources.