Use the Information to Answer the Following Question

question 68

Multiple Choice

Use the information to answer the following question.
The Brazil nut tree, Bertholletia excels (n = 17) , is native to tropical rain forests of South America. It is a hardwood tree that can grow to over 50 meters tall, a source of high-quality lumber, and a favorite nesting site for harpy eagles. As the rainy season ends, tough-walled fruits, each containing 8-25 seeds (Brazil nuts) , fall to the forest floor. Brazil nuts are composed primarily of endosperm. About $50 million worth of nuts are harvested each year. Scientists have discovered that the pale yellow flowers of Brazil nut trees cannot fertilize themselves and admit only female orchid bees as pollinators. The agouti (Dasyprocta spp.) , a cat-sized rodent, is the only animal with teeth strong enough to crack the hard wall of Brazil nut fruits. It typically eats some of the seeds, buries others, and leaves still others inside the fruit, which moisture can then enter and allow the remaining seeds to germinate.
The same bees that pollinate the flowers of the Brazil nut trees also pollinate orchids, which are epiphytes (in other words, plants that grow on other plants) ; however, orchids cannot grow on Brazil nut trees. These observations explain ________.

• A) the coevolution of Brazil nut trees and orchids
• B) why Brazil nut trees do not set fruit in monoculture (all one species) plantations
• C) why male orchid bees do not pollinate Brazil nut tree flowers
• D) why male orchid bees are smaller than female orchid bees

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Definitions:

Inductive Reasoning

A method of reasoning in which specific observations lead to a general conclusion or theory.

Deductive Reasoning

The use of general principles to predict specific outcomes. Often uses “if… then” statements.

Technology

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.

Chemicals

Substances produced by or used in a chemical process, including both natural and synthetic materials.