What is the primary role of pollinators in plant reproduction?

The primary role of pollinators in plant reproduction is to transfer pollen between flowers. Pollination is a critical process in the reproduction of flowering plants, enabling the fertilization of ovules, which leads to the formation of seeds. Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, birds, and even some mammals, facilitate this process by moving pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma of the same flower or another flower of the same species. This transfer of pollen is essential for plant diversity and reproduction, as it allows for genetic exchange between different plants, leading to healthier and more resilient plant populations.

The other options, while related to plant health and growth, do not describe the specific function of pollinators in the context of reproduction. Providing water, protecting from herbivores, and enhancing soil quality are important ecological roles, but they do not directly involve the transfer of pollen, which is the essential task performed by pollinators in the reproductive process of plants.