SEGUNDA PALEONTO_POLEN_D2.JPG (IMAGE) Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Caption From forests filled with ferns to forests filled with flowers: Plants began to produce attractive flowers containing sugary rewards for insects who carry pollen grains (basically the male sperm of the plants) to other flowers, helping plants reproduce. This strategy was so successful that flowering plants took over tropical forests, and the world. Credit From: Hace Tiempo. Un viaje paleontologico ilustrado por Colombia. Instituto Alexander von Humboldt e Instituto Smithsonian de Investigaciones Tropicales. Banco de Imágenes (BIA), Instituto Alexander von Humboldt. Only for use with this release. Usage Restrictions This image is only for use with this release. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.