NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
What happens if the female bee's color patterns change slightly during evolution?
Options
- AThe orchid will stop using sexual deceit
- BPollination success will be reduced unless the orchid co-evolves
- CThe orchid will use different pollinators
- DThe bee will no longer recognize the orchid
Correct answer
B. Pollination success will be reduced unless the orchid co-evolves
Step-by-step solution
Orchids show a bewildering diversity of floral patterns many of which have evolved to attract the right pollinator insect (bees and bumblebees) and ensure guaranteed pollination by it (Figure 11.5). Not all orchids offer rewards. The Mediterranean orchid Ophrys employs ‘sexual deceit’ to get pollination done by a species of bee. One petal of its flower bears an uncanny resemblance to the female of the bee in size, color and markings. The male bee is attracted to what it perceives as a female, ‘pseudo copulates’ wit