The Next Few Questions Refer to the Following Description

question 53

Multiple Choice

The next few questions refer to the following description.
The cycads, a mostly tropical phylum of gymnosperms, evolved about 300 million years ago and were dominant forms during the Age of the Dinosaurs. Though their sperm are flagellated, their ovules are pollinated by beetles. These beetles get nutrition (they eat pollen) and shelter from the microsporophylls. Upon visiting megasporophylls, the beetles transfer pollen to the exposed ovules. In cycads, pollen cones and seed cones are borne on different plants. Cycads synthesize neurotoxins, especially in the seeds, that are effective against most animals, including humans.
-On the Pacific island of Guam, large herbivorous bats called "flying foxes" commonly feed on cycad seeds, a potent source of neurotoxins. The flying foxes do not visit male cones. Consequently, what should be true?

• A) The flying foxes are attracted to cycad fruit, and eat the enclosed seeds only by accident.
• B) Flying foxes are highly susceptible to the effects of the neurotoxins.
• C) The flying foxes assist the beetles as important pollinating agents of the cycads.
• D) Flying foxes can be dispersal agents of cycad seeds if the seeds sometimes get swallowed whole (in other words, without getting chewed).

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Definitions:

Supply Curve

A graphical representation of the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity of the good that suppliers are willing and able to sell.

Demand Curve

A graph showing the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity of the good that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices.

Externality Problem

A situation where the actions of individuals or firms result in costs or benefits to others that are not reflected in the market prices.

Subsidy

A financial contribution provided by government to reduce the cost of producing goods or services and support businesses or consumers.