Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Organisms and Populations

Question:

Read the passage and answer the following questions:

Mutualism is an interaction that benefits both species involved. One example of mutualism is the symbiotic relationship between lichens and fungi. Lichens consist of a fungus and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria, and they rely on each other for survival. The fungus provides a protected environment and absorbs water and nutrients, while the photosynthetic partner conducts photosynthesis and produces energy-rich carbohydrates that benefit both organisms.Another example is mycorrhizae, where fungi form associations with the roots of higher plants. The fungi assist the plants in absorbing essential nutrients from the soil, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, in exchange for receiving energy-yielding carbohydrates produced by the plants through photosynthesis.In plant-animal relationships, mutualism is evident in the process of pollination and seed dispersal. Plants rely on animals, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, to transfer pollen between flowers, facilitating reproduction. In return, plants offer rewards to the pollinators, such as pollen and nectar, which serve as a source of food for the animals. Similarly, when animals consume fruits and disperse seeds through their excretion or by carrying them to new locations, they benefit from the nutritional value of the fruits, while the plants benefit from the dispersal of their seeds.Not all mutualistic interactions involve direct rewards. Some orchids, like the Mediterranean orchid Ophrys, employ "sexual deceit" to achieve pollination. The flower mimics the appearance and scent of a female bee, attracting male bees that attempt to mate with the flower. During this process, the bee gets covered in pollen, and when it visits another flower, it transfers the pollen, facilitating pollination.

 

How does the Mediterranean orchid Ophrys ensure pollination?

Options:

By offering nectar to bees

By using sexual deceit to attract male bees

By providing shelter to bees

By mimicking the flowers of other plants

Correct Answer:

By using sexual deceit to attract male bees

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) - By using sexual deceit to attract male bees

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. Here you can see how co-evolution operates. If the female bee’s colour patterns change even slightly for any reason during evolution, pollination success will be reduced unless the orchid flower co-evolves to maintain the resemblance of its petal to the female bee.