Fragrant flowers with well developed nectaries are anadaptation fora)h...
Entomophilous flowers produce an odour which may be pleasant (e.g., jasmine) or foul (e.g., Aristolochia, Arum, Rafflesia) Foul smell attracts flies and beetles. Malacophily is the kind of pollination in which snails perform pollination e.g. in Arisaema (cobra plant). Hydrophily refers to water and anemophily refers to wind pollination.
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Fragrant flowers with well developed nectaries are anadaptation fora)h...
Explanation:
Flower fragrance and well-developed nectaries are adaptations for entomophily, which is the process of pollination by insects. Let's understand why this is the correct answer.
Entomophily:
Entomophily is the process of pollination by insects. In this process, flowers have evolved certain characteristics to attract and facilitate pollination by insects. This interaction is mutually beneficial as flowers receive pollination services while insects receive nectar as a reward.
Fragrance:
The fragrance of flowers plays a crucial role in attracting insects. Many flowers produce volatile compounds that emit a pleasant scent. These scents act as a long-range signal to attract insects, especially bees, butterflies, and moths. The strong fragrance helps insects locate the flowers and encourages them to visit.
Well-developed Nectaries:
Nectaries are specialized structures within flowers that produce nectar. Nectar is a sugary liquid that serves as a reward for pollinators. Flowers adapted for entomophily have well-developed nectaries that produce abundant nectar. The nectaries are usually located at the base of the flower or at the base of the petals, making them easily accessible to insects.
Role of Nectar:
Nectar serves as a food source for insects. It provides them with energy in the form of sugars. When insects visit flowers to consume nectar, they inadvertently come into contact with the flower's reproductive structures, including the stamens (male reproductive organs) and pistils (female reproductive organs). This contact facilitates the transfer of pollen from the stamens to the pistils, leading to pollination.
Other Adaptations:
Apart from fragrance and nectaries, flowers adapted for entomophily may also have other features to attract and accommodate insects. These include bright colors, attractive patterns, and landing platforms. Some flowers have specialized structures like spurs or tubes that are tailored to specific insect pollinators, ensuring efficient pollen transfer.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, fragrant flowers with well-developed nectaries are adaptations for entomophily. The fragrance attracts insects from a distance, while the nectar serves as a reward and facilitates the transfer of pollen. These adaptations increase the chances of successful pollination by insects, ensuring the reproduction and survival of the plant species.
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