Question

The interdependent evolution of flowering plants and pollinating insects together is known as

• A. Mutualism
• B. Coevolution
• C. Commercialism
• D. Cooperation

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Coevolution

The evolution of complementary adaptations in two species caused by the selection pressures that each exerts on the other is called co-evolution. It is common in symbiotic associations e.g. many insect-pollinated plants have evolved flowers whose shapes, colours, etc. make them attractive to particular insects, at the same time the pollinating insects have evolved sense organs and mouth parts specialized insects have evolved sense organs and mouth parts specialized for quickly locating and extracting nectar from particular species of plants.

So, the correct answer is 'Co-evolution'.