The Next Few Questions Refer to the Following Description

question 70

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.
-If the beetles survive by consuming cycad pollen, then whether the beetles should be considered mutualists with, or parasites of, the cycads depends upon

• A) the extent to which their overall activities affect cycad reproduction.
• B) the extent to which the beetles are affected by the neurotoxins.
• C) the extent to which the beetles damage the cycad flowers.
• D) the distance the beetles must travel between cycad microsporophylls and cycad megasporophylls.

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Definitions:

Contribution Margin

The amount by which sales revenue exceeds variable costs, indicating how much revenue contributes toward covering fixed costs and generating profit.

Variable Costs

Costs that change in proportion to the level of activity or volume of goods produced.

Cost Of Goods Sold

The total cost directly associated with producing or acquiring the goods sold by a business during a particular period, including materials and labor.

Cost Formula Equation

A mathematical equation used to predict costs, considering both fixed and variable components.