Pollinators Crucial for Maintaining Plant Biodiversity, Study Finds

Iowa State University research shows significant declines in pollinators could trigger a 'plant-pollinator extinction vortex'.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:05am

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A bold, abstract painting in earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, visualizing the complex interdependence between pollinators and plant communities.A conceptual illustration depicting the delicate balance between pollinators and plant biodiversity, which new research suggests is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.Ames Today

A recent study by Iowa State University ecologists Brian Wilsey and Nathan Soley found that pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining plant biodiversity. Their four-year experiment in restored prairie plots showed that excluding pollinators led to a 50% drop in viable seed production and a 27% decline in plant species diversity among animal-pollinated plants.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that significant decreases in pollinator populations could set off a self-reinforcing cycle of biodiversity loss, harming both plant and pollinator communities. This has major implications for prairie restoration efforts and the overall health of ecosystems that rely on pollinators.

The details

Wilsey and Soley's experiment involved covering flowers in some plots with sheer fabric bags to keep pollinators out, while hand-pollinating flowers in other plots. Over four growing seasons, they monitored seed production and biodiversity, comparing the results to undisturbed control plots. The exclusion of pollinators led to clear declines, with the effects becoming more dramatic over time.

  • The study was conducted over four growing seasons on about 50 acres of university land south of Ames, Iowa.
  • The experiment is now entering its seventh year and is continuing at the study site near Ames.

The players

Brian Wilsey

A professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology at Iowa State University and a grassland ecologist.

Nathan Soley

A doctoral graduate who co-authored the study with Wilsey.

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What they’re saying

“Our study is the first we are aware of to show that plant biodiversity at the community level can be limited by a lack of pollinators.”

— Brian Wilsey, Professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology

“Before this study, I would have never thought that pollinators were this important to maintaining biodiversity. It really opened my eyes.”

— Brian Wilsey, Professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology

“These mutualisms are important to preserve.”

— Nathan Soley, Doctoral graduate

What’s next

The experiment is continuing at the study plots near Ames, as the researchers aim to better understand the complex relationship between pollinators and plant communities in different settings.

The takeaway

This study underscores the critical role pollinators play in maintaining the biodiversity of plant communities, suggesting that declines in pollinator populations could trigger a self-reinforcing cycle of biodiversity loss. This has important implications for prairie restoration efforts and the overall health of ecosystems.