Sarkari RiseLogin
UPSC CSE 2024 · PYQ · Coevolution / Pollination · easy

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?

  1. A.Fig✓ Correct
  2. B.Mahua
  3. C.Sandalwood
  4. D.Silk cotton

Explanation

Fig (genus Ficus) shows an obligate mutualism with fig wasps (family Agaonidae), a classic example of coevolution. Each species of fig is typically pollinated by its own specific species of fig wasp, and the wasp can only reproduce inside the fig's specialized inflorescence (syconium). Neither the fig nor the wasp can complete its life cycle without the other. Mahua, sandalwood, and silk cotton are pollinated by various insects, bats, or birds and do not show such unique one-to-one obligate pollination relationships.
💡 Practice unlimited UPSC CSE PYQs + AI-tracked progress on each topic. Sign up free →

Want more UPSC CSE practice?

Free daily 10-Q quiz · adaptive mocks · 4,000+ verified PYQs · AI doubt solver in Hindi + English

Sign up freeMore Coevolution / Pollination practice