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Ever Widening Circles

Victoria Pickering // Flickr

Science

4 minute lesson

Introducing, the World’s Stinkiest Flower

Ever Widening Circles

What comes to mind when you think of a flower? Probably a bright, beautifully smelling bloom; but what if there is a flower that smells disgusting?

The Amorphophallus titanum or the corpse flower is a flower that gives off a strong, putrid scent similar to that of rotting flesh. This flower attracts flies to pollinate it instead of the typical bee. How can flies pollinate and why did this flower evolve to be so smelly? Let’s find out!

Why It Matters

Every organism on this Earth is different, and each species has its own way of adapting and evolving in order to best fit their needs. Sometimes things need to adapt in different ways than may seem “normal” in order to survive. This can explain why there are so many fun and funky plants and animals living their lives in their own creative way.

There are many different things that can influence the way that something adapts or evolves, such as environmental impacts, other animals or plants, and much more.

Let's Talk About It
  1. Would you want to smell the Corpse Flower?
  2. Do you know of any other odd or smelly plants? What are they?
  3. What are some other ways plants and flowers attract pollinators?
Image: Skunk Bear logo

Skunk Bear

Skunk Bear is NPR’s science youtube channel, exploring the secrets of the universe, the wonders of nature, and answering your science questions.

Thank You

Thanks to EWCed writer Kati Murphy from Clarkson University for this touchstone and for her contribution to EWCed!

Citations

“A Crafty Flower’s Putrid Power.” YouTube. Skunk Bear, 24 Oct. 2016. Web. 27 Oct. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbKOVv5GII0>.

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