Read the passage and answer the following questions:
Mutualism is an interaction that benefits both species involved. One example of mutualism is the lichen, an intimate association between a fungus and photosynthesising algae or cyanobacteria, which 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, 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. One petal of the flower resembles the female bee in size, colour and markings, 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?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → By using sexual deceit to attract male bees
The passage states that the Mediterranean orchid Ophrys employs “sexual deceit” to achieve pollination: one petal of the flower resembles the female bee in size, colour and markings, “attracting male bees that attempt to mate with the flower”. The bee is dusted with pollen and carries it to the next flower.
Option (1) By offering nectar to bees — Incorrect. The passage places Ophrys among the mutualistic interactions that do not involve direct rewards. Nectar is a reward, so this is not how it gets pollinated.
Option (2) By using sexual deceit to attract male bees — Correct. The petal’s likeness to a female bee is the deceit. Male bees try to mate with the flower and in doing so carry pollen from one flower to another.
Option (3) By providing shelter to bees — Incorrect. No shelter is offered. The bee visits the flower only because it mistakes the petal for a female bee.
Option (4) By mimicking the flowers of other plants — Incorrect. The flower copies a female bee, not the flowers of another plant.