Question 79 of 99
Q.What is Cantharophily ?
Tamil Nadu DgeTamil Nadu HSC (DGE) Board 2023Subjective· 2mImportance★★★★★
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Cantharophily is the pollination of flowers by beetles, one of the most ancient forms of insect-mediated pollination.
Pollination biology classifies pollination syndromes by the type of pollinating agent involved, and each type has its own name ending in "-phily." Cantharophily specifically refers to pollination carried out by beetles (order Coleoptera).
Beetle-pollinated flowers show characteristic adaptations to this relationship:
- They are typically large, bowl- or cup-shaped, providing easy landing and access for relatively clumsy insect visitors.
- They are often strongly scented, frequently with fruity, spicy or even fermenting/decaying odours that specifically attract beetles.
- They are usually pale or dull in colour (e.g. white, cream, dull yellow) rather than brightly coloured. …
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