Question

Fragrant flowers with well-developed nectaries are an adaptation for
A) Zoophilia
B) Anemophily
C) Entomophily
D) Hydrphily

Answer 1

Hint:The floral fragrance is caused due to the presence of all the volatile organic compounds, or aroma compounds, emitted by floral tissue, for example, flower petals. Nectaries, present in the plants, secrete sweet liquids known as nectars. Nectar is a watery solution of the sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose and also contains traces of proteins, salts, acids, and essential oils.

Complete answer:
The presence of floral scents and nectaries are an adaptation in plants to attract insects. It is done for plant-pollinator communication, for the cross-pollination to take place between plants. The insect spread the pollen and in turn is rewarded with the nectar. Insect pollinators such as bees have adaptations for this, such as lapping or sucking mouthparts to take up the nectar, and in some species, pollen baskets are present on their hind legs. This coevolution is beneficial for both the plant and the insect and this type of pollination is termed as Entomophily.

Different insects are attracted to different types of plants. Butterflies are especially attracted to pink, mauve, and purple flowers. Moths are usually nocturnal and are attracted to plants, blooming at night. The flowers of these are often tubular, pale-colored, and fragrant only at night. Some flowers are large and scented, and the stamens are positioned in such a way that pollen is deposited on the insects when they feed on the nectar. Some, like the giant water lily, include traps made to keep the beetles in contact with the reproductive parts for longer periods. Flowers pollinated by bees and wasps differ in shape, color, and size.

Hence, the correct answer is option C, “Entomophily”.

Note:Wind and water pollination require the production of pollens in large quantities. Plants evolved this technique to lure insects for the better production of the pollen. The ideal pollinator is hairy, so that pollen sticks to it, and spends time exploring the flower so that it comes in contact with the reproductive structures.