Question

Which one of the following pairs exhibits mutualism between them? 

I. Fig and Blastophaga wasp. 

II. Ophrys and male Colpa wasp. 

III. Honeybees and Salvia. 

IV. Coral tree and squirrels. 

Choose the correct option. 

(a) Only I 

(b) I and II 

(c) I, II and III 

(d) All are correct

Answer 1

Answer is (c) I, II and III

Options I, II and III show mutualism. These flowers and their pollinating agents show coevolution and display mutualism. Blastophaga wasp is completely dependent upon Ficus carcia (fig) for survival. The fig is dependent upon this wasp for pollination.The flowers of Ophrys very closely resemble the female wasp. The male wasp mistaking them as females and pollinating the female flowers. Honeybees get nectar while pollinating Salvia.