Which one of the following plants shows a very close relationship with a species of moth, where none of the two can complete its life cycle without the other ?
(1) Hydrilla
(2) Yucca
(3) Banana
(4) Viola
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Correct Option(b) Yucca
Explanation:
Yucca gloriosa has developed an obligate symbiotic relationship with pronuba yuccasella moth. The moth cannot complete its life cycle with the association yucca flowers and in turn, yacca has no other pollinator.
Hydrilla is a hydrophilous plant while viola is an entomophilous plant. Bananas are usually parthenocarpic fruits. Therefore. they do not require pollination.
Concept Enhancer The female moth visits the Yucca flowers at night and collects pollen in the form of balls. The moth, then inserts its ovipositor into ovary of the flower to Iay eggs. The temperature of the ovary is suitable for hatching of pronuba's eggs and works as an incubator. After that, it climbs to the top of the style and pushes the pollen ball into the stylar canal. Thus, pollination occurs. Some seeds are eaten by larvae which escape after piercing the ovary wall.