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The flower of an orchid species is pollinated by a species of wasp that is deceived by the orchid into thinking it is mating with another wasp.

a-true
b-false

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Final answer:

The statement is true; orchids such as Chiloglottis trapeziformis use sexual deception to pollinate by emitting compounds similar to female wasp pheromones and mimicking their appearance to deceive male wasps into transferring pollen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about an orchid species being pollinated by a wasp, which is deceived by the orchid into thinking it is mating with another wasp, is true. Orchids such as Chiloglottis trapeziformis and the Australian hammer orchid employ sexual deception to attract male wasps for pollination. These orchids emit compounds identical to female wasp pheromones and may also visually mimic female wasps. As the male wasp attempts to mate with the flower, pollen is transferred to it, which it then inadvertently carries to another flower, thus assisting in the orchid's reproduction.

While some orchids use food deception, offering bright colors and fragrances with no nectar, others, like the bee orchid, utilize sexual deception. This fascinating pollination strategy demonstrates the intricate relationships between different species and their adaptations for survival.

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