Darwin's research on insect pollination sparked specific interest in orchids and became a powerful example of natural selection over time. Orchids have evolved in a variety of ways, primarily through mimicry, that increase their reproductive success and influence the evolution of other insects that imitate them. Most flowers are limited to attracting insects only with their bright inflorescences and scent, but orchids have developed another tactic. Some flowers in the Orchidaceae family use a pseudo-copulation method where they imitate insects of the opposite sex for pollination. Additionally, orchids have further evolved to release the female pheromone which attracts the male, which also results in pollination. Orchids and orchid mantises have become surprisingly specialized to thrive in their environments (Dobzhansky 1973). Known for their detailed mimicry skills, these organisms are ideal for studying how visual and olfactory deception influences relationships, particularly pollination. Mimicry has become an important strategy that these organisms master, giving them a significant advantage over the competition. The Orchidaceae family has a great diversity that has continued to evolve since before the beginning of evolutionary history. Orchids are sexually deceptive in that they mimic the appearance of female insects and their pheromones. As a result, flowers are pollinated during a copulation attempt or during a pre-copulatory routine (Schiestl 2003). In comparison with other flowers, pollination success is largely due to insect mating behaviors rather than foraging (Schiestl 2003). This study uses the plant-pollinator relationship to explore the development of partner preference on floral evolution...... middle of paper ...... for advantageous insect pollination of orchids. Orchid mimicry is largely responsible for the successful reproduction of orchid plants and the insects that imitate them. Orchids that give off pheromones similar to the insects that pollinate them are more likely to be pollinated. Some argue that the diversification of this family is directly linked to the limited pollination systems of orchids, causing the evolution and mechanisms used for diversification. This mimic adaptation evolved to increase the reproductive success of orchid plants and provides a convincing deception for the orchid mantis. Each species has learned to adapt to its own way of life and to feed on its environment (Dobzhansky 1973). Adaptation of mimicry provides a lasting competitive advantage to orchids and is one of nature's best examples of natural selection..