Some species of orchids attract pollinating Hymenoptera (bees and wasps)with flowers that closely mimic the appearance of a female insect.As the male attempts to mate with the flower,he becomes loaded with pollen,helping the plant to reproduce.If one of these orchid plants acquired a loss-of-function mutation in a CYCLOIDEA-like gene,what do you predict might happen?

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The CYCLOIDEA-like gene is involved in the development of bilateral symmetry in flowers, which is crucial for the mimicry of female insects by some orchid species. A loss-of-function mutation in this gene would likely disrupt the flower's ability to mimic female insects effectively, reducing its attractiveness to male pollinators and hindering pollination. Consequently, the mutation would likely be disadvantageous and fail to spread in the population.

Some Species of Orchids Attract Pollinating Hymenoptera (Bees and Wasps)with