Pollen robber

Options

A. consume pollen or nectar
B. are effective in bringing about pollination
C. do not visit floweres for pollen
D. take pollen from other insects

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding the Term "Pollen Robber":**
- Pollen robbers are insects that consume pollen or nectar from flowers without contributing to the process of pollination. They are also referred to as "nectar robbers."

2. **Identifying the Behavior of Pollen Robbers:**
- These insects visit flowers to extract nectar or pollen but do not facilitate the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive parts (anthers) to the female reproductive parts (stigma) of the flower.

3. **Mechanism of Pollen Robbery:**
- When a pollen robber visits a flower, it may enter through a hole it creates or through existing openings to access nectar. While doing so, it may take pollen grains but does not effectively pollinate the flower.

4. **Analyzing the Options:**
- The question provides four options regarding the behavior of pollen robbers:
1. Consume pollen or nectar and are effective in bringing about pollination.
2. Do not visit flowers for pollen.
3. Take pollen from other insects.
4. Consume pollen or nectar without pollinating.

5. **Evaluating Each Option:**
- **Option 1:** Incorrect, as pollen robbers do not contribute to pollination.
- **Option 2:** Incorrect, as they do visit flowers for nectar or pollen.
- **Option 3:** Incorrect, as they do not take pollen from other insects.
- **Option 4:** Correct, as pollen robbers consume pollen or nectar without pollinating the flower.

6. **Conclusion:**
- The correct answer is **Option 4: Consume pollen or nectar without pollinating.**