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Association between entomophilious flowers and pollinating agent is
  • a)
    Commensalism
  • b)
    Coevolution
  • c)
    Mutualism
  • d)
    Cooperation
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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Association between entomophilious flowers and pollinating agent isa)C...
Sure.

The association between entomophilous flowers and pollinating agents is a coevolutionary relationship. Coevolution is a process in which two or more species evolve in response to each other. In the case of entomophilous flowers and pollinating agents, the flowers have evolved to produce features that attract the pollinating agents, and the pollinating agents have evolved to be attracted to the flowers.

This relationship is beneficial for both the flowers and the pollinating agents. The flowers benefit from the pollination, which helps them to reproduce. The pollinating agents benefit from the food and shelter that they find in the flowers.

The relationship between entomophilous flowers and pollinating agents is not commensalism, mutualism, or cooperation. Commensalism is a relationship in which one species benefits from the interaction, while the other species is unaffected. Mutualism is a relationship in which both species benefit from the interaction. Cooperation is a relationship in which two or more species work together to achieve a common goal.

In the case of entomophilous flowers and pollinating agents, both species benefit from the interaction, so the relationship is mutualism. However, the relationship is also coevolutionary, because the two species have evolved in response to each other.

Here are some examples of coevolution:

The relationship between flowering plants and their pollinators.
The relationship between certain types of fish and the bacteria that live in their guts.
The relationship between certain types of birds and the insects that they eat.
Coevolution is a fascinating process that shows how species can adapt to each other over time. It is an important part of the natural world, and it helps to ensure the survival of many species.
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Association between entomophilious flowers and pollinating agent isa)C...
Introduction:
Entomophilous flowers are flowers that are pollinated by insects. These flowers have evolved various adaptations to attract, guide, and reward their insect pollinators. The association between entomophilous flowers and their pollinating agents is an example of coevolution.

Coevolution:
Coevolution is the process in which two or more species reciprocally affect each other's evolution. In the case of entomophilous flowers and their pollinating agents, the flowers have evolved specific characteristics to attract and maximize the efficiency of their insect pollinators, while the insects have evolved traits that allow them to effectively gather nectar and pollen from these flowers.

Floral adaptations:
Entomophilous flowers have developed various adaptations to attract and accommodate their insect pollinators. These adaptations include:

1. Color and shape: Many entomophilous flowers have bright colors, such as red, yellow, or purple, which are attractive to insects. The shape of the flower may also be specialized to accommodate specific types of pollinators, such as long-tongued bees or butterflies.

2. Scent and nectar: Flowers often produce scents and nectar to attract insects. The scent may be specific to certain pollinators, ensuring that only the desired insects are attracted to the flower. Nectar serves as a reward for the insects, providing them with a source of energy.

3. Landing platforms and guides: Some entomophilous flowers have landing platforms or guides, such as petal markings or ridges, that direct the insect pollinators towards the reproductive structures of the flower, such as the stamens and stigma.

Insect adaptations:
Insects that serve as pollinators for entomophilous flowers have also evolved specific adaptations to effectively gather nectar and pollen. These adaptations include:

1. Mouthparts: Insects have evolved different types of mouthparts to access the nectar within the flowers. For example, bees have a long, tube-like proboscis that allows them to reach deep into floral tubes, while butterflies have a long, coiled proboscis that can extract nectar from narrow, tubular flowers.

2. Pollen collection: Insects often have specialized structures, such as bristles or hairs, on their bodies that enable them to collect and carry pollen from one flower to another. This ensures cross-pollination, which promotes genetic diversity within plant populations.

Conclusion:
The association between entomophilous flowers and their pollinating agents is a classic example of coevolution. The flowers have evolved specific adaptations, such as color, scent, and nectar, to attract and accommodate their insect pollinators. In turn, the insects have developed adaptations, such as specialized mouthparts and pollen collection structures, to effectively gather resources from these flowers. This mutualistic relationship benefits both the flowers and the pollinating insects, leading to the successful reproduction of both species.
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Association between entomophilious flowers and pollinating agent isa)Commensalism b)Coevolutionc)Mutualismd) CooperationCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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