Yucca Plant and Pronuba Moth: Obligate Mutualism Explained

Practice question

Question

The relationship between the Yucca plant and the Pronuba moth is an example of obligate mutualism. Why?

Options

Choose one · Correct answer highlighted

The moth eats the plant leaves The plant cannot complete its life cycle without the moth, and the moth larvae eat the seeds Correct The moth pollinates the plant but gets no reward The plant provides nectar only

Explanation

It is obligate because neither can complete their life cycle without the other. The moth deposits its eggs in the locule of the ovary and pollinates the flower. The larvae feed on some of the developing seeds as they grow.

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