Ornithophily is pollination by

Options

A. Humans
B. Wind
C. Birds
D. Bat.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Term "Ornithophily":**
- The term "ornithophily" is derived from the Greek word "ornis," which means bird. Therefore, ornithophily refers to pollination that occurs with the help of birds.

2. **Identifying the Pollinators:**
- Certain birds are specialized for pollination. The most notable examples include sunbirds and hummingbirds. These birds have adaptations that allow them to feed on nectar while simultaneously transferring pollen from one flower to another.

3. **Behavior of Pollinating Birds:**
- Hummingbirds are known for their ability to hover over flowers while feeding, which allows them to effectively pollinate. Sunbirds, on the other hand, typically perch on the flowers and may rest on them while feeding.

4. **Other Birds Involved in Ornithophily:**
- Besides sunbirds and hummingbirds, other birds that contribute to this type of pollination include crows, bulbuls, parrots, and mynas.

5. **Comparison with Other Pollination Types:**
- Ornithophily is less common compared to entomophily (pollination by insects). There are only about 100 species of Australian plants that are known to be ornithophilous.

6. **Examples of Ornithophilous Plants:**
- Some examples of plants that rely on bird pollination include Bombax (red silk cotton), Calistemon (bottle brush), Agave, and Grevillea.

7. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the understanding of the term and the examples provided, the correct answer to the question "Ornithophily is pollination by" is birds.

**Final Answer:**
Ornithophily is pollination by birds.

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