This is an amazing shot that depicts a very common occurance in nature. What types of adaptations by the flower do you see that would attract the bee? What adaptations does the bee have that helps both it AND the flower?
How is this an example of co-evolution?
For EXTRA, extra-credit, describe another instance of co-evolution seen in nature. Think about things around your yard, or outside somewhere. If you find information on the web somewhere as an example, please copy and paste the link in for others to see it.
Remember, you must post by Sunday evening and comments will begin to appear on Monday morning 
Ms. F
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A type of adaptation I see that the flower has to attract the bee is its bright colors. Another adaptation the flower has is the landing pad that the bees can land on so it is easier to get the pollen from the plant. The adaptation that the bee has that helps both it and the flower is the pollen it carries and the pollen it gets from the flower. This is an example of co-evolution becasue one is dependent one each other for their survival.
Another example of co-evolution is a fruit eating bird in the tropical rain forests and the plants they eat. this is because while the birds are getting nourishment the plants digestion-resistant seeds dispersed by regurgitation or along with the birds’ droppings.
Site: http://www.stanford.edu/group/stanfordbirds/text/essays/Coevolution.html
By: Kaylene H on 03/29/2009
at 5:35 pm
Kaylene,
Ms. F
GREAT observations on this!! I especially like how you phrased “landing pad” for the bee – very descriptive
By: bioforsyth on 03/31/2009
at 6:41 pm
The bright colors of this flower definitely are attractive to the bee as well as a sweet smell that “advertises” it’s delicious pollen and nectar.
A bee with lots of fur is more capable of attaching pollen to itself and therefore better pollinating the flower.
This could be an example of co-dominance if the flower were to produce a certain aroma that is only attractive to the bee with the long hairs. As the flower produces an aroma that is more and more attractive to the bee, the bee grows hair that specifically add its pollination with this specific flower.
Another example of co-evolution is the Central American Acacia species, a plant that grows thorns beneath its leaves with pores specifically designed for ants to feed off of. The sharp thorns also protect the plant from herbivores.
Here’s the link:
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evosite/evo101/IIIFCoevolution.shtml
By: Meagan, 7th period on 03/29/2009
at 5:36 pm
Insects are entirely dependent on flowers for food in their adult stage, which is why plants are not extinct. Adaptations of flowers depend on what types of pollinators they prefer. Since bees have color vision, they are attracted to colorful flowers such as the Borago plant. The Borago plant is star-shaped with blue-purple flowers. It has hairy leaves, which taste mildly of cucumber, and a mouth watering scent to bees, which is why many bees are attracted to it. Some adaptations that the bee owns include a hairy body to pick up the pollen and a long tongue to reach the nectar. Flowers and bees are a good example of mutualism because there is an advantage to both species: the flower gets improved pollen dispersion and the bee gets raw ingredients for honey.
Co-evolution also includes the interaction between a host and a parasite. For example, a virus kills its host every time. In order for it to find another host to support its progeny, there is selective pressure for it to let its host survive.
By: Dafina A. on 03/29/2009
at 6:08 pm
The flower has a type of thorn shaped outcroppings in the center that allow the bee to hold onto while it sucks nector from the flower using its long straw like body part. The flower attracts the bee using its long petals and colors that brighten nearer to the central location that houses the nector. The fur of the bee also collects pollen that will be transfered from flower to flower thus causing flowers to begin producing seeds.
By: Dallas on 03/29/2009
at 9:41 pm