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An interesting modification of flower shape for insect pollination occurs in some orchids. A male insect mistakes the pattern on the orchid flower for the female species and tries to copulate with it thereby pollinating the flower. This phenomenon is called:

Correct answer: A. Pseudopollination

  • A. Pseudopollination
  • B. Pseudoparthenocarpy
  • C. Mimicry
  • D. Pseudocopulation

Explanation

In an orchid Ophrys speculum, there is most interesting and unique mechanism of pollination. Here pollination occurs by a wasp called Culpa aurea. In this orchid, pollination occurs by act of pseudocopulation. The appearance and odour of Ophrys is similar to female wasp and are mistake by male wasps and they land on Ophrys flowers to perform act of pseudo­ copulation and thus pollination takes place. This plant­insect relationship is useful only to plant.

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