NEET2026ZoologyOrganisms and PopulationsActual
Which one of the following is an appropriate example of 'sexual deceit' ?
Options
- AFemale wasp and fig
- BOphrys and bumblebee
- CSea anemone and clown fish
- DCuckoo and crow
Correct answer
B. Ophrys and bumblebee
Step-by-step solution
The Mediterranean orchid Ophrys employs 'sexual deceit' to get pollinated by a species of bee. One petal of its flower bears an uncanny resemblance to the female of the bee in size, colour, and markings. The male bee is attracted to what it perceives as a female, 'pseudocopulates' with the flower, and during that process is dusted with pollen from the flower. When this same bee 'pseudocopulates' with another flower, it transfers pollen to it and thus, pollinates the flower. Female wasp and fig exhibit mutualism. Se