Question

Honey bees are efficient pollinators because of following characters
(A). It does not have a hairy body and is smooth and waxy
(B). They adapt themselves to different climates
(C). Length of proboscis is suitable for many crops
(D). Body parts are modified to pick up pollen
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• C. (B), (C) and (D) only
• D. (A), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

The fuzzy, hairy body of a bee is one of its most important tools for pollination. Pollen sticks to the hairs as the bee forages, allowing for transfer between flowers. Remember: hairy = good pollinator.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the characteristics that contribute to the efficiency of honey bees as pollinators.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate each character:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A): This statement is false. Honey bees have bodies covered in branched, electrostatic hairs (plumose hairs) that are specifically adapted to trap pollen grains. A smooth, waxy body would be inefficient at picking up pollen. } \\ \bullet & \text{(B): This statement is true. Honey bees (genus *Apis*) are found across the globe and can survive in a wide range of climates, from tropical to temperate, making them reliable pollinators in diverse ecosystems. } \\ \bullet & \text{(C): This statement is true. The proboscis (tongue) of a honey bee is of a length that allows it to access nectar from a wide variety of flowers, making it a generalist pollinator for many different crops. } \\ \bullet & \text{(D): This statement is true. Honey bees have several modifications for pollen collection, most notably the corbicula, or "pollen basket," a polished cavity on the outer hind tibia fringed with long hairs, where they pack pollen for transport. } \\ \end{array}\] The correct statements that describe why honey bees are efficient pollinators are (B), (C), and (D).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct combination of characters is (B), (C), and (D).