NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Plant-animal mutualistic networks often involve the co-evolution of the mutualists. Reason (R): Plants have to safeguard their floral rewards against 'cheaters', which are animals that try to steal nectar without aiding in pollination. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropria
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Correct answer
A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Step-by-step solution
Assertion (A) is a correct statement. In mutualism, the evolution of the flower and its pollinator species are tightly linked with one another, which is known as co-evolution. Reason (R) is also a correct statement. Plants offer rewards in the form of pollen and nectar for pollinators. However, they must safeguard these rewards against 'cheaters' (animals that consume the reward without performing the pollination service). The need to restrict access to these rewards and ensure successful pollination drives the tig