CHAPTER LIX 



ADAPTATIONS OF FLOWERS 



364. Colors and odors. In many species of plants the colors 

 and odors of the flowers are no doubt of value to the plants 

 as furnishing aids to insect visits, and thus to the process of 

 pollenation. It is a mistake, however, to suppose either that 

 all colors and odors are of value to the plants in this way or 

 that there is any necessary connection between the existence 

 of these colors in the flowers and the habits of the insects. 

 There are many plants that have colored corollas and that do 

 not depend upon insects at all. And there are other plants 

 that receive the visits of insects without being particularly 

 conspicuous. 



365. Nectar. While many insects will visit plants for the 

 nectar, there are many plants that produce nectar in positions 

 that make it impossible for the visits of insects to be of any 

 use to the plants. Indeed, there are certain ferns and some 

 seed plants that produce nectar on the stems or leaves, so 

 that the plants get no benefit whatever from the visits of 

 insects to these nectaries. 



366. Fitness. We are not to suppose that the plants produce these 

 queer shapes in their flowers, or the colors or odors, for the special 

 purpose of attracting insects. Nor are we to suppose that the insects 

 visit the flowers for the purpose of carrying pollen, or for any other 

 purpose. Bees will fly toward nectar or honey, houseflies will fly 

 toward manure or decaying fish, moths will fly toward a light, not 

 because they have the idea of getting something they want, but 

 because they are built in a certain way. 



It is interesting to note in this connection that while insects cannot 

 distinguish objects at any great distance, — say at more than about 



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