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:

Transfer Payments

Payments made by governments to individuals without the expectation of a direct return service or goods, often as part of welfare or social security programs.

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A program run by the government that offers monetary assistance to individuals who are retired, have disabilities, or are surviving dependents of deceased employees.

Social Security Payments

Government-provided financial support that people receive upon retirement, disability, or other eligibility criteria to ensure a basic level of income.

Disabled Workers

Individuals who are unable to engage in employment due to physical, mental, or emotional impairments.