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📌 The Question:
Which one of the following shows a unique relationship with an insect that has co-evolved with it and is the only insect that can pollinate this tree?

(a) Fig
(b) Mahua
(c) Sandalwood
(d) Silk cotton

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✅ Correct Answer: (a) Fig

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🔍 Classroom Explanation (Core Concept):

• Fig trees (genus Ficus) exhibit one of the most classic and strict co-evolutionary mutualisms in nature.
• Each fig species is pollinated exclusively by a specific species of fig wasp (Agaonidae family).
• No other insect can complete this pollination.

🧬 How the relationship works:

• The female fig wasp enters the fig’s enclosed inflorescence (syconium) to lay eggs.
• While doing so, she pollinates the fig flowers.
• In return, the fig provides nutrition and shelter for developing wasp larvae.
• If either partner disappears, both go extinct locally.

➡️ This is a one-to-one obligate mutualism.

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🧠 Curiosity Raiser:
👉 Without fig wasps, entire tropical forest food webs collapse, because figs are keystone species eaten by birds, bats, and mammals year-round.

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📚 Enrich Notes (Prelims Edge):

• Fig inflorescence = Syconium
• Pollinator = Species-specific fig wasp
• Relationship type = Obligate mutualism
• Exam keywords: coevolution, keystone species, species-specific pollination

❌ Why other options are wrong:

• Mahua → Pollinated by multiple insects
• Sandalwood → General insect pollination
• Silk cotton → Bat and insect pollination (not exclusive)

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🕊️ IAS Monk Whisper:
“When evolution signs an exclusive contract, nature enforces it without escape clauses.”