Page 260 - The Microworld Miracle

Gall formation is a miraculous system all of its own. The plant pro-
duces a tissue that enfolds the insect's larva and in effect, imprisons
the insect. In this way, plants are protected from further harm
caused by insects, and the insects' young find a roomy shelter
where they can feed in peace. The insect in this phase prevents an-
other parasite that uses certain secretions (beta indolic acid) from
occupying the site. Even if the plant dries up, the cells that form the

gall remains alive for a short while longer.
These relationships established between plants and insects
have emerged as the result of creation. No plant possesses any in-
formation about a pollinator like a bee, butterfly, or hawk moth. In
addition, it cannot know when it releases a scent that insects can
perceive. Furthermore, the plant, being unaware which of scents
will attract flies, cannot know that bees will kill the parasites that

are feeding on it. There is no possibility of these mutual

The butterfly species known as
Xanthopan predicta pollinates
the Madagascar orchid by in-
serting its 28-
centimeter
(11.02-inch) pro-
boscis into the flower's
THE MICROWORLD MIRACLE
spur, which is 30 centimeters
(11.81-inches) long..

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