Heather M. Whitney

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About

Heather M. Whitney is a leading researcher in plant-pollinator interactions, with a particular focus on the sensory ecology of flowers. Her work explores how floral traits—beyond just color and scent—influence pollinator behavior. In her highly cited 2020 study, "Floral Humidity in Flowering Plants: A Preliminary Survey" (35 citations), Whitney pioneered the investigation of floral humidity as a previously overlooked close-distance cue for pollinators. This work demonstrated that the microclimate around flowers is often more humid than the surrounding environment, due to nectar evaporation and floral transpiration, and that this humidity gradient could serve as a subtle, yet critical, signal for foraging insects. By expanding the known repertoire of floral signals, Whitney has reshaped our understanding of how plants and pollinators communicate. Her research bridges plant physiology and animal behavior, offering new insights into the evolution of floral diversity. With her innovative approach, Whitney continues to influence the fields of chemical ecology and sensory biology, inspiring a new generation of researchers to look beyond the obvious in the natural world.