Read the following statements regarding the pollination mechanism in the Mediterranean orchid Ophrys : (A) It offers nectar as a floral reward to its pollinator. (B) One petal of its flower bears an uncanny resemblance to the female bee in size, colour, and markings. (C) It relies on pseudocopulation by the male bee for pollen transfer. (D) It exhibits co-evolution, as the orchid flower must co-evolve if the female b

Step-by-step solution

Statement (A) is incorrect because the Mediterranean orchid Ophrys does not offer any floral rewards like nectar; instead, it employs sexual deceit. Statement (B) is correct as one petal of its flower is modified to resemble the female bee in size, colour, and markings. Statement (C) is correct because the male bee is attracted to the petal and 'pseudocopulates' with the flower, during which pollen is transferred. Statement (D) is correct as this interaction is a classic example of co-evolution; the orchid must co-