How exhaust fumes cloud the senses of insects. Pollutants in the air, with their influence on fragrances, may be limiting pollination worldwide.
A research team reports this in the journal “Science’. Not only noise and artificial light influence the behavior of animals that pollinate, but also substances released by humans. Studies have already shown that high concentrations of diesel exhaust or ground-level ozone affect how well insects can detect smells. Pollinators are important animals: without them, most plants cannot reproduce.