Question

1. Explain how it is ensured that the orchid Ophrys is pollinated by a specific species of bee.
2. Describe co-evolution with the help of this example.

Answer 1

1. Ophrys is an orchid that uses mimicry to guarantee pollination by a particular kind of bee. By imitating the female bee's appearance and aroma, the flower draws the male bee, which tries to mate with it (a process known as pseudocopulation) and gathers and spreads pollen.
2. Co-evolution is the process through which two or more species affect one another's evolutionary paths. In the case of the orchid Ophrys and the bee, there is a continuous evolutionary interaction as the flower develops to more closely resemble the female bee, while the bee may develop to become more picky about recognising real female bees.