The Cycads, a Mostly Tropical Phylum of Gymnosperms, Evolved About

question 75

Multiple Choice

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 from the 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 synthesise 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 the ________.

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

Identify strategies for successful plant-frugivore interactions that lead to seed dispersal.

Understand the dynamics of mutualistic interactions between different species.

Explain the principle of competitive interactions and their outcomes within and between species.

Describe the role of mimicry in predator-prey interactions.

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Definitions:

Average Inventory

The mean value of inventory held by a business over a specific period of time, used to evaluate the investment in inventory against sales performance.

Ending Inventory

The complete valuation of items that are up for sale at the end of a financial accounting period.

Beginning Inventory

The value of all the inventory held by a company at the start of an accounting period, before any purchases or sales are made.

Inventory Turnover

A measure of how many times a company's inventory is sold and replaced over a specific period, indicating efficiency in managing stock.