Specialization Kimball be limiting and beneficial how would a plant species benefit from a pollinator that only visits the flower of that plant species

A. The flowers always having a pollinator.
B. Let’s competition for pollinators with other species.
C. Decreased for the fertilization, allowing for greater genetic variation.
D. Less competition for pollinators within the species.

1 answer

The correct answer is A. The flowers always having a pollinator.

Specialization in pollination occurs when a plant species has evolved certain traits to attract specific pollinators. This specific pollinator is highly adapted to gather nectar or pollen from the flowers of that particular plant species. This relationship benefits the plant species in several ways:

1. Reliable pollination: By having a specialized pollinator that only visits its flowers, the plant species ensures that its flowers will be consistently pollinated. This increases the chances of successful reproduction and the production of viable seeds.

2. Reduced competition: By having a pollinator that exclusively visits its flowers, the plant species faces less competition for pollinators from other plant species. This allows the plant species to maximize its chances of getting pollinated and increases its reproductive success.

3. Flower specialization: The plant species can evolve specific floral traits that are attractive to their specialized pollinator. This can include unique shapes, colors, scents, or nectar rewards that increase the chances of the pollinator visiting and pollinating the flowers.

In conclusion, a plant species benefits from having a pollinator that only visits its flowers because it ensures reliable pollination, reduces competition for pollinators, and allows for the evolution of specialized floral traits. The options B, C, and D are not accurate because specialization does not necessarily lead to decreased fertility or genetic variation.