Question

Read the sources given and answer any four from the questions given below:

There are a number of examples of mutualism and co-evolution in plantanimal relationship. Figs and tiny figpollinating wasps both benefit each other. The female wasps enter the figs inflorescence, pollinate female flowers and lay eggs into some of the flowers. When larvae come out, they feed on the developing seeds within the fig fruit. Hence in return for pollination, fig offers the site as well as food for developing larvae. The orchids have beautiful floral patterns, many of which have evolved to attract the bees and bumble bees to ensure pollination. The structure, shape, colour and markings on Ophrys flower resemble a specific species of female bumble bee. The male bumble bee gets attracted towards this flower, assuming it to be a female bee for mating. As the male bee visits the flower, it gets dusted with the pollen from the flower and on visiting another flower transfers pollens to it, thus bringing pollination. Even a slight change in the markings of the Ophrys flower, pollination does not occur, hence it shows both mutualism and co-evolution.

1. Where do the wasps that pollinate figs lay eggs?
   1. Fig leaves
   2. Fig flowers
   3. Fig seeds
   4. Fig branches
2. The markings on the orchid flower Ophrys resemble the
   1. male species of a bee
   2. female species of a bee
   3. a specific beetle
   4. another species of orchid flower
3. The relationship between Ophrys and bumble bee is of
   1. co-evolution
   2. mutualism
   3. both (a) and (b)
   4. none of these
4. Why is the relationship between fig and wasp called mutualism?
   1. Fig flowers get pollinated and offer food for wasp larvae
   2. Fig flowers get pollinated and wasp gets a place to live
   3. Colour of fig flower matches that of wasp markings
   4. Fig flower and wasp originated on land at the same time
5. What happens if the markings on the Ophrys flower are changed?
   1. fertilisation does not occur
   2. female bumble bee does not recognise it
   3. male bumble bee does not recognise it
   4. both (a) and (c)

Answer 1

1. Fig flowers
2. female species of a bee
3. both (a) and (b)
4. Fig flowers get pollinated and offer food for wasp larvae
5. both (a) and (c)