Question

When a species becomes extinct, the plant and animal species associated with it in an obligatory way also becomes extinct. But nature has a unique way to prevent this. (a) What is this mechanisim called?

(b) Cite an example to explain the mechanism ?

Answer 1

a) This mechanism is called mutualism. In this, with the extinction of one species, the other species which is in close association with it also becomes extinct. Therefore co-evolution operates between the mutualists that involves the evolution of both the tightly linked species simultaneously.
b) Mutualism operates between the species of fig trees and wasp. In this, the fig species gets pollinated by wasp species only and in return wasp species uses the fruit of the tree as egglaying site and developing seeds for nourishing its larvae.