Question

Which of the following flowers is most likely to be pollinated by birds?

• A. A flower with a long, tubular shape and bright red color.
• B. A flower with a strong fragrance and white petals.
• C. A flower that opens only at night and emits a strong scent.
• D. A flower with small, inconspicuous petals and a dull color.

Hint:

Bird-pollinated flowers are typically odorless but brightly colored with structures suited for bird feeding mechanisms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Characteristics of bird-pollinated flowers.
Bird-pollinated (ornithophilous) flowers possess these traits: Vivid hues (e.g., red, orange, yellow) to attract avian pollinators. Elongated, tubular structures facilitating nectar access for birds. Absence of strong perfumes, as birds primarily utilize vision over olfaction.

Step 2: Explanation of options. 
Option (A): Accurate. Elongated, tubular, and vividly colored blossoms are suited for avian pollination.

Option (B): Inaccurate. Highly fragrant flowers tend to attract insects rather than birds. 

Option (C): Inaccurate. Flowers that bloom at night and emit potent aromas are adapted for lepidopteran pollination.

Option (D): Inaccurate. Small and unremarkable flowers typically depend on anemophily or hydrophily, not avian pollination. \[ \therefore \text{The correct answer is: A flower with a long, tubular shape and bright red color.} \]