UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

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. Fig
  2. Mahua
  3. Sandalwood
  4. Silk cotton

Answer

Correct Answer

Fig

Explanation

Fig trees have a highly specialized mutualistic relationship with fig wasps. In many fig species, a particular wasp species is the exclusive pollinator, and the wasp depends on the fig for reproduction. This relationship is a classic example of coevolution. Mahua, sandalwood and silk cotton do not exhibit this same well-known, obligate fig-wasp-type pollination relationship. Therefore, option A is correct.

Topics: ecological interactions, environment, fig-wasp coevolution, mutualism