Essay On Insect Pollination

Darwin’s research on insect pollination constituted specific interest in orchids and became a powerful example of natural selection over time. Orchids have evolved in various ways, primarily mimicry, that increases their reproductive success, as well as influence the evolution of other insects that mimic them. Most flowers are limited to attracting insects only with their bright inflorescences and fragrance, but orchids have evolved another tactic. Some flowers in the Orchidaceae family utilize a pseudo-copulation method where they mimic insects of the opposite sex for pollination. In addition, orchids have evolved even further to releasing the female pheromone that entices the male, also resulting in pollination. Both orchids and orchid mantises have become amazingly specialized to thrive in their environment (Dobzhansky 1973). Known for their detailed skill in mimicry, these organisms are ideal to study how visual and odor deception influence relations, specifically pollination. Mimicry has become an important strategy that these organisms have mastered, giving them a significant advantage over the competition.

The Orchidaceae family has great diversity that has been continuously evolving since before the beginning of evolutionary history. Orchids are sexually deceptive in that they mimic the appearance of female insects and their pheromones. As a result, flowers are pollinated during attempted copulation or either during a pre-copulatory routine (Schiestl 2003). In comparison to other flowers, pollination success is largely due to mating behaviors of the insects rather than pursuing food (Schiestl 2003). This study uses the relationship between plant and pollinator to explore the development of mate preference on floral evoluti...

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... for advantageous pollination of orchids by insects.

Orchid mimicry is largely responsible for the reproductive success of orchid plants and the insects that mimic them. Orchids that give off pheromones similar to the insects that pollinate them are more likely to experience pollination. Some argue that the diversification of this family is directly linked to the limited orchid pollination systems, causing evolution and mechanisms utilized for diversifying. This mimic adaptation has evolved to increase reproductive success in orchid plants, and provides convincing deception for the orchid mantis. Every species has learned to adapt to its own way of living and obtaining nourishment from their environment (Dobzhansky 1973). The adaptation of mimicry provides a sustainable competitive advantage for orchids and is one of nature’s best examples of natural selection.