Flowers of the orchid species *Ophrys bombyliflora* look and smell like female bumblebees. This attracts the male bumblebees flying nearby to the flowers. As a result, pollen sticks to the head and abdomen of the bumblebee, facilitating pollination. This orchid species is only pollinated by these bees, which is why it is known as the bumblebee orchid.

What mode of evolution is represented by this example?

The mode of evolution that is represented by this example is called coevolution. Coevolution is the process in which two independent species influence the evolution of each other. This process involves natural selection. There is nothing working as a forcing agent. Since this orchid named bumblebee orchid is totally dependent on a single species named bumblebee for its pollination and this evolution process, so this process is called coevolution. Various other organisms also follow this method of pollination to continue their cycle of evolution.

Answered by taskmasters | 2024-06-10

The example of Ophrys bombyliflora represents coevolution, where the orchid and bumblebee influence each other's evolutionary traits. The orchid mimics female bumblebees to attract males for pollination, creating a mutually dependent relationship. This interaction leads to evolutionary changes that benefit both species.
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Answered by taskmasters | 2024-11-04