In the Pollinator Mutualism Between the Yucca Plant and the Yucca

question 36

Multiple Choice

In the pollinator mutualism between the yucca plant and the yucca moth,the yucca plant is able to abort the seeds in any given flower if the moth lays too many eggs in that flower.What is the advantage the yucca plant gains by aborting these seeds?

• A) The yucca plant is responsible for keeping the yucca moth population at a reasonable size.
• B) Seeds are energetically expensive to produce, and if the moth larvae are going to eat most of the seeds in one fruit, the plant is able to save energy by aborting those seeds.
• C) The carrying capacity of the yucca moth is increased every time it lays an egg in a yucca plant's flower, so the fewer seeds that are produced by the plant, the higher the carrying capacity of the moth can be.
• D) The carrying capacity of the yucca moth is reduced every time it lays an egg in a yucca plant's flower, so the fewer seeds that are produced by the plant, the higher the carrying capacity of the moth can be.

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Definitions:

Spatial Organization

The method of organizing content or physical objects in a space according to their relationships or physical proximity to each other.

Cork Cambium

A layer of tissue in plants that produces cork cells, contributing to the thickening of stems and roots and forming part of the plant's protective bark.

Differential Gene Expression

The process by which cells express different sets of genes, allowing for cell specialization and the functioning of multicellular organisms.

Tracheids

Elongated cells in the xylem of vascular plants that serve in the transport of water and minerals, as well as supporting the plant structure.