Abstract

Insect pollination represents one of the most important mutualisms on the planet. Many flowering plants are completely reliant on their insect pollinators in order to reproduce, indicating that researching and understanding these relationships has huge implications within the world of conservation. With my independent study, I aim to contribute to this broader research and understanding within the field of pollination biology. The first chapter of my independent study is a primer, offering an in-depth introduction to the concept of pollinator performance and its role in the broader field of pollination biology. The second chapter of my independent study details a research project that I conducted to understand the pollination ecology of a spring ephemeral herb, Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), native to temperate deciduous forests of the Northern United States. This study set out to better understand this pollination system through two research goals: (1) to identify and quantify instances of pollen limitation among populations of D. cucullaria and to (2) quantify the single visit pollinator efficiency of queen bumblebees for D. cucullaria. We found evidence of pollen limitation among D. cucullaria within Wooster Memorial Park in the spring of 2024. Additionally, we found that a single visit from a queen bumblebee was enough to spur pod development, but that queens were not efficient enough to consistently facilitate ovule fertilization. Future research should focus on the effects of pollen limitation on the population demographics of D. cucullaria and the possibility of self-pollination within this system.

Advisor

Ison, Jennifer

Department

Environmental Studies

Keywords

pollination, pollen limitation, pollinator performance

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2025 Samuel Foye