Which of the following plant show pseudocopulation?
Ficus
Peas
Salvia
Orchids
Orchids exhibit pseudocopulation. Orchids alter their labellum in shape, size, color, and aroma to mimic a female insect, such as a bee or wasp, and this sort of pollination method is known as pseudocopulation. Ficus, peas, and salvia do not need pseudocopulation for pollination. Hence, option 4 is the correct answer.
Explanation for the incorrect options:
Option 1 is incorrect because Ficus is a plant that is pollinated by a specific kind of wasp that enters the fig fruit to lay its eggs. The wasp does not pseudocopulate with the blossoms, and the fig flowers do not have a labellum adapted to mimic a female wasp.
Option 2 is incorrect because although peas are typically pollinated by bees, they do not use pseudocopulation to attract pollinators. Instead, they have specialized features in their blooms, such as the keel, that lead bees to the flower's reproductive components.
Option 3 is incorrect because Salvia is a plant that produces nectar and has vividly colored blooms that attract insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Salvia blooms do not pollinate by pseudocopulation.