The world's strangest flowers
Chapter 1
The titan arum and the science of stench
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Chapter 2
Parasites of the jungle floor
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Chapter 3
Masters of deception and mimicry
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Chapter 4
Extreme survivors and water giants
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The world's strangest flowers
Ch 3 · Masters of deception and mimicry
teacher Heating up the jungle, a giant glowing chimney blooming in the dark to fake a feast!
Fun Fact
Fake wasps: The hammer orchid's mimicry is so precise that it even releases the exact chemical pheromones produced by female thynnid wasps.
Glossary
mimicry (noun)
The close resemblance of an organism to another species or object, which secures it an evolutionary advantage. Sumatra's titan arum employs this strategy, imitating the stench of a decaying carcass to lure beetle pollinators.
The close resemblance of an organism to another species or object, which secures it an evolutionary advantage. Sumatra's titan arum employs this strategy, imitating the stench of a decaying carcass to lure beetle pollinators.
Quiz
How does the Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia) ensure insects stay long enough to pollinate?
Quiz
What mechanical feature allows the hammer orchid to deposit pollen on a visiting wasp?
Quiz
Which insect is fooled by the mushroom-like appearance and smell of Dracula orchids?
Quiz
What is the biological term for when a plant tricks an animal without offering a reward?