Plants that are pollinated by bees commonly develop aromatic flowers that release sweet fragrances to attract these scent-sensitive insects, increasing the likelihood of successful pollination. Hammer orchids, however, use a different strategy. These orchids facilitate pollination by deceiving their sole pollinator: thynnid wasps. The flower’s structure mimics the appearance of thynnid wasps. When a wasp attempts to interact with what appears to be another wasp, it triggers a hinged part of the flower that flips the insect upside down, positioning it for optimal pollen transfer.
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Verbal·Information and Ideas·Central Ideas and Details
mediumWhich choice best states the main idea of the text?
A
Unlike species pollinated by bees, hammer orchids use deception to improve their chances of being pollinated.
B
Hammer orchids have developed the ability to mimic the characteristics of thynnid wasps.
C
Hammer orchids have developed a much better strategy for attracting pollinators than have other flowering plants.
D
Attracting pollinators through deception is an effective strategy used by many types of flowering plants.