Question

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

• A. Sea anemone and clown fish
• B. Female wasp and fig
• C. {Ophrys} and bumblebee
• D. Cuckoo and crow

Hint:

Logic Tip: "Deceit" means trickery. "Sexual" means it involves mating. The orchid tricks the male bee into thinking it's mating with a female bee. None of the other options involve tricking an organism with a fake mating partner!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
We are asked to identify a classic biological interaction that serves as an example of 'sexual deceit'. This phenomenon refers to a specialized form of mimicry where one organism (usually a plant) tricks another (an insect) into assisting its reproduction by visually and chemically imitating a potential mating partner.
Step 2 : Key Formulas and Approach:
The approach requires distinguishing between various types of interspecific interactions:
1. Mutualism: Both species derive a benefit (e.g., Fig and Wasp).
2. Commensalism: One species benefits while the other is unaffected (e.g., Anemone and Clownfish).
3. Brood Parasitism: Tricking another species into raising offspring (e.g., Cuckoo and Crow).
4. Sexual Deceit: Tricking an organism for pollination by mimicking a sexual partner.
Step 3 : Detailed Explanation:

Option A (Sea anemone and clown fish): This is an example of commensalism (or sometimes mutualism). The clownfish gains protection from predators by living among the stinging tentacles, while the anemone is largely unaffected or may get scraps of food. There is no biological "lie" or deceit involved.

Option B (Female wasp and fig): This represents a highly evolved mutualism. The wasp pollinates the fig, and in return, the fig provides a safe place for the wasp to lay its eggs. Both species benefit, and the relationship is based on a mutual exchange of services.

Option D (Cuckoo and crow): This is a case of brood parasitism. The cuckoo lays its eggs in the crow's nest so the crow will inadvertently raise the cuckoo's chicks. While this involves trickery, it is categorized as parasitism related to parental care, not "sexual deceit" related to mating lures.

Option C ({Ophrys} and bumblebee): The Mediterranean orchid {Ophrys} employs sexual deceit to achieve pollination. One petal of its flower has evolved to look like the female of a specific bumblebee species in color, size, and markings. It also releases scents that mimic female pheromones. The male bee, believing it has found a mate, attempts to "pseudocopulate" with the flower. During this encounter, pollen is transferred to the bee, which it then carries to the next flower.

Step 4 : Final Answer:
The interaction between the orchid {Ophrys} and the bumblebee is the quintessential textbook example of sexual deceit in nature. Therefore, the correct option is (C).