The evolution of imperfect floral mimicry.
The theory of mimicry predicts that selection favors signal refinement in mimics to optimally match the signals released by their specific model species. We provide here chemical and behavioral evidence that a sexually deceptive orchid benefits from its mimetic imperfection to its co-occurring and specific bee model by triggering a stronger response in male bees, which react more intensively to the similar, but novel, scent stimulus provided by the orchid.
Behavioral and Evolutionary Ecology, Free University of Brussels, CP 160/12, Avenue F. D. Roosevelt 50, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
Nicolas J
NJ
Vereecken
Florian P
FP
Schiestl
D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005260:Female; D035264:Flowers / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009812:Odorants; D029595:Orchidaceae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D054817:Pollination; D012641:Selection, Genetic