Question

1.Describe one situation where a flower and its pollinator show coevolution.

A)What traits does the flower have that attracts a specific pollinator?

B)What benefit does the pollinator receive?  

Answer 1

1) Coevolution is the relationship between flowering plants and the respective insect and bird species that pollinate them. Flowering plants and pollinators have developed co-adaptations that allow flowers to attract pollinators, and insects and birds have developed the specialized adaptations for extracting nectar and pollen from the plants. Example: The flowering plants are able to attract the hummingbirds with certain colors and shape of the flower accommodates the bird’s bill, and such flowers are inclined to bloom when the hummingbirds are breeding. The distinct shape and length of the flower’s corolla tubes have adapted to the shape and length of the hummingbird bill that pollenates that plant. The shape of the flower has adapted such a way that the pollen becomes attached to a particular region of the bird while it consumes the nectar from the flower.

A) The flowers have the traits that attract a specific pollinator are: Distinct visual cues, scent and some flowers use chemical and tactile means to mimic female insect species to attract the male species.

B) The pollinator receives nutrient-rich nectar.