The fig tree Ficus tremula produces unique inflorescences that are only accessible to a particular species of pollinating fig wasp Courtella wardi. The inflorescence provides a protected space for the fig wasp to lay eggs which then develop into the next generation of adult fig wasps. This relationship between the fig tree and the fig wasp is an example of coevolution.

Question

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Answer 1

True

Clarify Question


• What is the key concept addressed by the question?
     o The question is asking if you can identify an example of coevolution.
• What type of thinking is required?
     o The question requires you to apply the definition of coevolution to a novel example.
• What key words does the question contain and what do they mean?
     o Inflorescences: groups of flowers tightly clustered together
     o Coevolution: the process by which two or more species of organisms influence each other's evolutionary pathway


Gather Content


• What do you know about coevolution?
     o Many flowering plants and their pollinators are examples of coevolution, where features of one species have influenced and been influenced by characteristics of the other species. Examples include flower color, shape, and smell being matched with the sensory capabilities, shape, and size of the pollinator. So is this a case of coevolution?


Consider Possibilities


• What is the relationship between the wasp and the fig?
     o Ficustremula produces unique inflorescences that are only accessible to a particular species of pollinating fig wasp Courtellawardi. The inflorescence provides a protected space for the fig wasp to lay eggs which then develop into the next generation of adult fig wasps.


Choose Answer


• So does this seem like a coevolutionary relationship?
     o In this situation, the unique inflorescences are only accessible to the wasp, providing protection and making it likely that the wasps have a reproductive advantage. At the same time, the wasp pollinates the fig, helping it to reproduce. This is a coevolutionary relationship.
 


Reflect on Process


• Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
     o The question was asking you to identify whether the relationship between a fig and a fig wasp was an example of coevolution.
     o To get the correct answer, you needed to apply the definition of coevolution to the statement and determine whether it was an example of two species influencing each other's evolutionary pathway.
     o If you got the correct answer, congratulations. If not, perhaps you didn't realize that the features of the fig and fig wasp are uniquely matched to each other? It is unlikely that the inflorescences would only be accessible to this wasp, for example, if there weren't an evolutionary relationship, because the fig rely on the wasp for pollination.