Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that can pollinate this tree ?
- AFigCorrect
- BMahua
- CSandalwood
- DSilk cotton
Explanation
The correct answer is Fig.
Fig trees (Ficus species) have a highly specialized and unique mutualistic relationship with fig wasps (family Agaonidae). Each fig species typically has its own specific fig wasp species that is its sole pollinator. The fig fruit is actually a syconium, an inverted flower cluster, with tiny flowers lining its inner surface. The fig wasp enters the syconium through a small opening (ostiole) to lay its eggs and, in doing so, pollinates the flowers. This intricate coevolution means that neither the fig tree nor the fig wasp can reproduce without the other.
- Mahua (Madhuca longifolia): Primarily pollinated by bats and birds, and also insects.
- Sandalwood (Santalum album): Primarily wind-pollinated, though some insect activity might occur.
- Silk Cotton (Bombax ceiba): Primarily pollinated by birds and bats.
The fig-fig wasp relationship is a classic example of obligate mutualism and extreme coevolution in biology.
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