Question

Assertion (A): A particular species of fig plant is pollinated by a particular species of wasp only
Reason (R): Co-evolution is observed in certain plants and animals exhibiting mutualism

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true, but R is false
• D. A is false, but R is true

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

Mutualism is interaction between two different species in which both are mutually benefited from one another.

A very good example of this is seen between flowering plants and insects. Insects are considered as one of the best pollinators. They pollinate the flowers and in turn the flowers provide nectar and pollen as floral rewards. Hence, both species are benefitted.

A very close relationship is found between fig plants and female wasps. It has been observed that a particular species of fig is pollinated by a particular species of wasp only. Hence there is a tight one to one relationship. The female wasp lays eggs in the fruits of the fig and uses the seeds to feed the developing larvae. While searching for suitable egg laying sites, the wasp pollinates the flowers of fig plants. This relationship between figs and wasps is so profound that they cannot live independently. This process of mutual evolutionary change that occurs between two species as they interact with one another is called coevolution. Fig plants and wasps are a very good example of coevolution.

Hence, both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.