Q. 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?

Answer: (a) Fig

The fig is the edible fruit of Ficus carica, a species of small shrub in the flowering plant family Moraceae, native to the Mediterranean region, together with western and southern Asia.
It has been cultivated since ancient times and is now widely grown throughout the world.
A fig plant is a small deciduous tree or large shrub growing up to 7–10 m (23–33 ft) tall, with smooth white bark.
They have a unique coevolutionary relationship with fig wasps. This relationship is a classic example of mutualism where both the plant and the insect benefit:
- Fig Trees: They rely on specific species of fig wasps for pollination. Each species of fig tree is typically pollinated by its own unique species of wasp.
- Fig Wasps: These wasps lay their eggs inside the fig flowers. The larvae develop within the fig, and in return, the wasps pollinate the flowers.
- This highly specialized relationship means that fig trees can not reproduce without their respective fig wasps, making it a unique example of coevolution and mutual dependency.
Figs can be eaten fresh or dried, or processed into jam, rolls, biscuits and other types of desserts. Since ripe fruit does not transport and keep well, most commercial production is in dried and processed forms.
- Raw figs contain roughly 80% water and 20% carbohydrates, with negligible protein, fat and micronutrient content. They are a moderate source of dietary fiber.