Q54 / 180 · NEET 2026 (Cancelled) · Botany

Which one of the following is an appropriate example of 'sexual deceit' ?

  • A
    Female wasp and fig
  • Correct answer
    B
    Ophrys and bumblebee
  • C
    Sea anemone and clown fish
  • D
    Cuckoo and crow

Solution

The Mediterranean orchid Ophrys employs 'sexual deceit' to get pollinated by a species of bee. One petal of its flower bears an uncanny resemblance to the female of the bee in size, colour, and markings. The male bee is attracted to what it perceives as a female, 'pseudocopulates' with the flower, and during that process is dusted with pollen from the flower. When this same bee 'pseudocopulates' with another flower, it transfers pollen to it and thus, pollinates the flower.

Female wasp and fig exhibit mutualism.

Sea anemone and clown fish exhibit commensalism.

Cuckoo and crow exhibit brood parasitism.

Answer: Ophrys and bumblebee

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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