Mutualism is an association seen between the bumble bee and the orchid In this, both species are benefitted. One petal of its flower bears an uncanny resemblance to the female of the bee in size, colour and markings.
The male bee is attracted to what it perceives as a female and pseudocopulates with the flower. During the process, the bee gets dusted with pollen from the flower. When this same bee pseudocopulates with another flower, it transfers pollen to it and thus, pollinates the flower.
Extinction of bumble bee will definitely affect the orchid flower because these bees are the means of pollination for the flower and if they get extinct, the pollination percentage will be reduced. But, the extinction of the orchid will not affect the bumble bee population.
What is the association between the bumble bee and its favourite orchid Ophrys? How would extinction or change of one affect he other?
Answers
Anand Joshua
Mutualism is an association seen between the bumble bee and the orchid In this, both species are benefitted. One petal of its flower bears an uncanny resemblance to the female of the bee in size, colour and markings.
The male bee is attracted to what it perceives as a female and pseudocopulates with the flower. During the process, the bee gets dusted with pollen from the flower. When this same bee pseudocopulates with another flower, it transfers pollen to it and thus, pollinates the flower.
Extinction of bumble bee will definitely affect the orchid flower because these bees are the means of pollination for the flower and if they get extinct, the pollination percentage will be reduced. But, the extinction of the orchid will not affect the bumble bee population.