Question

Естественно предположить ,что растения с мелким невзрачным цветками должны исчезать в ходе эволюции, так как они реже посещаются насекомыми ,чем растения с яркими цветками Почему этого не происходит?

Answer 1

Они заново отрастают и по этому они не исчезают

Answer 2

The Evolutionary Advantage of Plants with Brightly Colored Flowers

Plants with brightly colored flowers have evolved to attract pollinators, such as insects and birds, which play a crucial role in their reproductive process. These pollinators are attracted to the vibrant colors and sweet nectar produced by the flowers. When the pollinators visit the flowers to feed on nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen from the male reproductive organs (stamens) to the female reproductive organs (pistils) of the flowers, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds.

This mutualistic relationship between plants and pollinators provides several advantages:

1. Increased Reproductive Success: By attracting pollinators, plants with brightly colored flowers increase their chances of successful pollination and subsequent seed production. This allows them to reproduce and pass on their genetic material to future generations.

2. Genetic Diversity: Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, visit multiple flowers of different plant species during their foraging activities. This cross-pollination between different plants promotes genetic diversity within plant populations, which is essential for their long-term survival and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

3. Efficient Pollination: Brightly colored flowers act as visual signals that help pollinators locate and identify the flowers from a distance. This efficient communication between plants and pollinators ensures that the pollen is transferred accurately and effectively, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.

4. Competition for Pollinators: In ecosystems with multiple plant species, competition for pollinators can be intense. Plants with brightly colored flowers have a competitive advantage over plants with inconspicuous flowers because they are more likely to attract pollinators and receive a higher number of visits. This increased visitation rate enhances their reproductive success and allows them to outcompete other plant species.

The Persistence of Plants with Inconspicuous Flowers

While it is true that plants with inconspicuous flowers may receive fewer visits from pollinators compared to plants with brightly colored flowers, they have not disappeared from the natural world. There are several reasons why plants with inconspicuous flowers continue to exist:

1. Alternative Pollination Mechanisms: While insects and birds are the most common pollinators attracted to brightly colored flowers, there are other pollination mechanisms in nature. Some plants with inconspicuous flowers rely on wind pollination or self-pollination, where the transfer of pollen does not require the intervention of pollinators. These alternative mechanisms allow plants to reproduce even without attracting pollinators.

2. Specialized Pollinators: Some plants with inconspicuous flowers have evolved to rely on specific pollinators that are adapted to their unique characteristics. These specialized pollinators, such as certain species of moths or flies, are attracted to the scent or shape of the flowers rather than their color. This specialization ensures that the plants receive the necessary pollination services, even if they do not have brightly colored flowers.

3. Habitat and Niche Differentiation: In ecosystems with diverse habitats and niches, different plant species can occupy specific ecological niches that are not easily accessible to other plants. Plants with inconspicuous flowers may have adapted to specific habitats or ecological conditions where they face less competition from plants with brightly colored flowers. This allows them to persist and thrive in their unique ecological niche.

4. Evolutionary Trade-Offs: Evolution is a complex process that involves trade-offs between different traits and adaptations. While brightly colored flowers may provide advantages in terms of attracting pollinators, plants with inconspicuous flowers may have other adaptations that compensate for their reduced attractiveness to pollinators. These adaptations could include efficient resource allocation, tolerance to harsh environmental conditions, or other strategies that enhance their survival and reproduction.

In conclusion, while plants with brightly colored flowers have evolved to attract pollinators and increase their reproductive success, plants with inconspicuous flowers have not disappeared from the natural world. They have adapted alternative pollination mechanisms, rely on specialized pollinators, occupy specific ecological niches, and may have other compensatory adaptations that allow them to persist and thrive in their respective habitats. Evolution is a dynamic process that results in a diverse array of plant species with different reproductive strategies and adaptations.