The Mediterranean orchid Ophrys comes in mutualism or in commensalism ?
Solution:
Ophrys employs the method of Sexual deceit to get it's flowers pollinated.
Ophrys employs the method of Sexual deceit to get it's flowers pollinated.
- The relationship between the orchid Ophrys and bumble bee is mutualism.
- The orchid Ophrys employs sexual deceit to get pollinated by bumble bee.
- One petal of its flower bears a resemblance to the female of the bumble bee in size, color and markings.
- The male bee is attracted to the petal perceiving it a female, pseudocopulates with the flower and in that process pollinates the flower.
- It is an example of mutualism because the bumble bee gets reward in the form of pollen and nectar while the plant gets pollinated.