Question

The get cross-pollinated by a species of bees, the Mediterranean orchid Ophrys employs
a) Pseudocopulation
b) Sexual deceit
c) Camouflage
d) Diapause

Answer 1

Hint: Cross-pollination, also known as heterogamy, is a type of pollination in which sperm-loaded pollen grains are transferred from the cones or flowers of one plant to egg-bearing cones or flowers of another.

Complete answer:
Cross-pollination occurs in both angiosperms (flowering plants) and gymnosperms (cone-bearing plants) and facilitates cross-fertilization and outbreeding. This movement of pollen may occur by wind, as in conifers, or through symbiotic relationships with various animals (e.g. bees and certain birds and bats) that carry pollen from plant to plant while feeding on nectar.
Orchids show a variety of floral patterns to attract the right pollinator insect and ensure guaranteed pollination. The Mediterranean orchid Ophrys uses sexual deceit to pollinate a bee species, with one flower petal resembling a bee female in size and color markings, The male bee is attracted to what it perceives as the female pseudo-copulates with the flower and, during that process, is dusted with pollen from the flower, when the same bee pseudo-copulates with another flower, it transfers pollen to it and thus pollinates the flower.
Mediterranean orchid Ophrys uses sexual deceit to ensure cross-pollination. In this process, one of the flower petals has a high resemblance to the structure of the female bee. The male bee is deceived when it lands on the flower and tries to collide with the petal. In the process of attempting a pseudocopulation, the male bee carries pollen grains from one flower to the other.

Thus, the answer is option B: Sexual deceit

Note:
The germination of pollen has three stages: hydration, activation and pollen tube formation. The pollen grain is severely dehydrated so that its mass is reduced, making it easier to move from flower to flower. Germination occurs only after rehydration, ensuring that premature germination does not occur in the anther.