Question

How have angiosperms coevolve with pollinators to enhance the fitness of both partners? Consider factors such as flower morphology, trait matching, etc.

Please help thank you!

Answer 1

Answer:

Coevolution is mutual changes in 2 species, usually one following the other, leading to a change in their interactions. Angiosperms and their pollinators are often used as an example for Coevolution.

• Bees and Orchid flower:
  Orchids are the largest family of monocots in angiosperms. They show the diversity of floral patterns that have evolved in order to attract right pollinator insects (orchid bees or bumblebees) ensuring guaranteed pollination. The Mediterranean orchid Ophrys employs sexual deceit to get pollination done. It has evolved in such a way that one petal of its flower resembles the female species of the bee in size, color and other markings. The male bee attracted to this artificial partner, perceiving it as a female pseudocopulates with the flower. During this process, the male bee is dusted with pollen from the flower and pollination occurs. In return of this favor, the male bee is covered with fragrance from the orchid which attracts the real female bees. This ensures the continuation of generation both the evolved partners.
• The fig tree and wasp species
  The fig trees and tiny wasps have found coevolution that has taken them to the level of independence in such a way one cannot survive without the other. There are specific wasps for specific fig tree species. There is a tight one to one relationship between the pollinator (wasp) and the angiosperm (fig tree). The female wasps use the fruit, not only for laying the eggs but uses developing seeds withing the fruit for nourishing the larvae. While searching for suitable egg-laying sites within the inflorescence, it pollinates the fig tree. In return for this favor of pollination, fig tree offers developing seeds as food for developing larvae. There are about 900 species of wasps for pollinating 900 species of figs.