Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Chris Lait on 08/04/2010 16:30:02

Title: How do some orchids mimic insects?
Post by: Chris Lait on 08/04/2010 16:30:02
Chris Lait  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hello,
 
Could you please tell me how some orchids can replicate a female bee's scent and visually to attract a male bee? 

Does this mean plants can see?
 
Many thanks
 
Chris Lait
 
ps I've downloaded a 100 plus of your podcasts and enjoy listening to them when i'm driving my lorry through the night.
         

What do you think?
Title: How do some orchids mimic insects?
Post by: atrox on 12/04/2010 16:35:27
Hi there,

No, that doesn´t mean, that plants are able to see the insects they are imitating.
And that is not necessary, because evolution is not specific. It is not, that any plant decided, which smell or appearance would do best, to reach the goal to reproduce. It´s more that individuals of one species differ a bit.
In fact the insects formed the plants appaerance via selecting those varieties, which smells the best for example. .. and so on.

aj