Question

Pollination in Ophrys, a Mediterranean orchid (see figure below) occurs by

• A. insects using the fruit as an oviposition site
• B. insects feeding on its nectar for nutrition
• C. pseudocopulation performed by insect pollinators
• D. bees due to the fragrance emitted by the orchid

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

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. 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, 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.