Chapter 26, Problem 11A

Summary Introduction

To write:

How the beetle and the plant benefit from their relationship.

Introduction :

Many plants are in a mutualistic relation with insects, that is both of them are beneficial to each other. The basic types of plant-insect mutualism are; protection, pollination and seed dispersion. The plants protect the insects by giving them shelter, some of the plants provide them sugary sap. In return the insects protect the plant from grazing herbivores. Pollination is the process in which the pollinators like small birds and bees help the plants to transfer the pollen grains to the female reproductive organs for reproduction process and in return the plants provide them nectar. And finally, the seed dispersion is the process through which the insects involve in dispersion of seeds and in return the plants protect them from predators.

Explanation of Solution

Beetles are the most useful pollinators for flowers, they eat their way from the floral parts, and they even defecate inside the flowers. Some flowers produce heat that attracts the beetles towards itself. They are termed as beetle flowers. The beetle flowers are typically bowl shaped, white and dull in colour, strongly fruity, moderate nectar producers, and open during day time. The flowers attract the beetles and allow them to live inside the bloom at night to protect them from predators and in return the beetles involve in their pollination process during day time, in this way the flower and the beetles are in mutualism relation.

Conclusion

Theflower protects the beetles from predators and in return the beetles involve in the pollination process.