#49: That Explains a Lot

Australia’s unique ecosystem has had a significant impact on the colors of its flora. Unlike other regions with abundant bee populations, Australia has relatively fewer bees, so the role of pollination often falls on birds. Birds have a strong preference for the color red because they can perceive it better than other colors. This preference for red flowers has led to an abundance of red-hued flora in Australia.

These plants have evolved to showcase vibrant red petals to attract birds, particularly nectar-feeding birds like honeyeaters and lorikeets. This mutually beneficial relationship between the Australian flora and birds has resulted in increased plant reproduction rates, shaping the country’s distinctive and colorful landscape, where red is a dominant and eye-catching hue in the natural world.