28
Question 28
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 ?
AOptions
A
A) Fig
B
B) Mahua
C
C) Sandalwood
D
D) Silk cotton
BSolution
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.
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.
CStrategy
This is a factual question from Biology/Environment. It tests knowledge of specialized ecological relationships, particularly pollination. The fig-fig wasp relationship is a well-known example discussed in botany and ecology.
DSyllabus Analysis
Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity (Species Interactions, Mutualism, Pollination). Science & Technology: Biology (Botany).
EQuestion Analysis
This is a factual question on plant-insect interactions, specifically pollination. The fig-fig wasp relationship is a classic and unique example often highlighted in biology texts. Medium difficulty.