Question

What would be the effect of the extinction of a mutually exclusive pollinator on the plant which it pollinates?

• A. Only the rate of pollination will decrease with no other adverse effects
• B. The plant would remain unaffected
• C. The plant species would also become extinct eventually
• D. The plant would not be pollinated but continue to exist otherwise

Answer 1

The correct option is C The plant species would also become extinct eventually

Population is a group of organisms that live together and interbreed in a well-defined geographical area.

Interaction between different populations is known as population interaction.

Mutualistic relationship is a type of population interaction. In this type of interaction, both the interacting species are benefited.

Plants and their pollinators (Agents that transfer the pollen from anther to stigma) is a very good example of mutualism. The plant gets pollinated and the pollinator receives floral rewards in the form of nectar and pollen. Therefore, both the species are mutually benefited.

There are certain plant species which will get pollinated only by a specific pollinator. In such cases of mutualistic relationship, if the pollinator becomes extinct then the associated plant would not be pollinated by any other means. Due to lack of pollination, seeds are not produced and gradually that plant species will also become extinct. This is called co-extinction, in which, if a species becomes extinct, then the plant or the animal species associated with it also becomes extinct.