Question

Describe two types of ecological interactions that appear to be occurring between the three species shown in this photo. What morphological adaptation can be seen in the species that is at the highest trophic level in this scene?

Short answer

The Yellow Crab Spider (Thomisus onustus), a bee, and an orchid are seen in the image. The bee and the spider had their first encounter here, where the spider predates the bee.

Spiders benefit from plants because they provide shelter and food for insects. In return for pollinating flowers, bees receive scent compounds that they utilize in courting displays and induce cross-pollination.

Step-by-step solution

Ecological interaction

Abiotic interactions occur in different ways through mutualism, commensalism, competition, and predation (including herbivory and parasitism). Due to the multiple interconnections between species, changes in one species can have far-reaching effects on a food web.

Predation between spider and bee

Plants provide spiders with shelter and food, such as insects. Consequently, they can protect plants from herbivores. Although spiders are beneficial to plants, they may kill or discourage pollinators such as bees, incurring a cost that may outweigh the benefit.

Mutualism between flower and bee

Mutualism describes the species interaction between the flower and the bee, in which both species benefit from each other's companionship and are essential to each other's survival and reproduction.

To attract insects, blooming plants use brilliant petals and sugar water called nectar. On the other hand, pollen is carried among flowers by visiting insects, which helps seeds grow.