A mutation in a certain type of bees allows for the bees to pollinate only one type of flower.

Question

How could this mutation be both a benefit and risk to the organisms?
Justify your response in two or more complete sentences in the essay box below.

Answer 1

This mutation could be a benefit to the bees because it allows them to specialize in pollinating one type of flower. This specialization can make the bees more efficient and effective in pollination, leading to increased reproduction and survival of both the bees and the flower species. However, it also poses a risk to the bees because if the particular flower species they specialize in declines or becomes extinct, the mutated bees may struggle to find alternate sources of food, which could result in reduced reproductive success and population decline.