Question

White and sweet-smelling flowers with abundant nectar are probably pollinated by

a. bees and butterflies

b. flies

c. birds

d. wind

Short answer

The correct option is (a). bees and butterflies.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

• For reproduction to take place in flowering plants pollen grains must first reach the stigma. The transfer of the pollen grains to the stigma is known as pollination.
• Plants have developed numerous methods for pollination and to attract pollinators, that aid in pollination.
• Nectar is a sweet sugar-rich liquid secreted by many flowers pollinated by birds or insects.

Step 2. Reason for incorrect option

• Plants pollinated by flies have flowers that have evolved to appear pale in colour and produce nasty odours such as that of rotting meat and humus to attract the flies.
• Plants pollinated by birds have flowers, which are large enough for birds to land on. They also produce nectar and have petals that are vivid and striking in colour.
• Plants pollinated by wind have small flowers that lack a floral fragrance. The flowers produce very little nectar and spend all their energy on pollen production to increase the chances of pollination.

Step 3. Reason for correct option

• Flowers pollinated by bees and butterflies are nectar-rich, delightfully scented, or have a minty fragrance, to attract the bees and butterflies.
• Many butterflies and bees can detect ultraviolet light, and flowers that attract these pollinators often have an ultraviolet reflectance pattern that helps them swiftly reach the flower's core.