Q28 · UPSC Prelims 2024 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has coevolved with it and that is the only insect that ta pollinate this tree ?

A Fig
B Mahua
C Sandalwood
D Silk cotton

Correct answer: (a) Fig

Explanation

  1. A

    Fig

    Fig. Each fig species is pollinated by its own fig wasp — a classic obligate mutualism.

  2. B

    Mahua

    Mahua. Bat- and insect-pollinated, not a single coevolved insect.

  3. C

    Sandalwood

    Sandalwood. Not an obligate one-insect tree in this sense.

  4. D

    Silk cotton

    Silk cotton. Bird- and bat-pollinated kapok/semal, not a unique wasp.

Summary. Official key is (a) fig. Ficus and agaonid fig wasps are the textbook coevolved pair: the wasp is the only pollinator of that fig, and the fig is the only host of that wasp. Mahua, sandalwood and silk cotton do not have that exclusive insect lock.