The relationship between honey bees and mango trees is a mutualistic one. Honey bees are attracted to the sweet nectar produced by the mango flowers and in turn, they aid in pollination, which is necessary for the trees to produce fruit.
Honey bees help mango trees by transferring pollen from the male reproductive parts of the flower to the female reproductive parts, leading to fertilization and fruit production. They also help increase genetic diversity in the mango trees, resulting in stronger and healthier trees.
No, honey bees are generalist pollinators and will visit a variety of flowers to collect nectar and pollen. However, they are particularly attracted to the sweet nectar of mango flowers and are important pollinators for mango trees.
No, honey bees are not the only pollinators for mango trees. Other insects such as butterflies, moths, and beetles also visit mango flowers for nectar and can contribute to pollination. However, honey bees are the most efficient and effective pollinators for mango trees.
Yes, mango trees can survive without honey bees, but their fruit production would be significantly reduced. Other pollinators would still visit the flowers, but they may not be as efficient as honey bees. This could result in smaller or fewer fruits being produced.