A biologist argues that some flowering plants alter their nectar output in response to specific pollinator species rather than producing nectar at a uniform rate, a strategy that maximizes pollination success.
Which experimental finding, if true, would most strongly support the biologist's argument?
- Acheck_circle
Flowers visited primarily by long-tongued bees produced significantly more nectar in response to those bees than to short-tongued bees, while flowers visited primarily by short-tongued bees showed the opposite pattern, even though all flowers received similar visit rates.
- B
Some flowers open only at certain times of day.
- C
Nectar provides energy to pollinators.
- D
Many flower species are pollinated by multiple kinds of insects.
Explanation
A demonstrates pollinator-specific tuning of nectar output and rules out a uniform-output explanation, exactly as the biologist argues. B, C, and D are general background.