Question

Explain the mutually rewarding relationship between Yucca plant and species of moth.

Hint:

Moth pollinates Yucca; Yucca ovary shelters eggs and seeds feed the larvae.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
When two species live together and both gain, the relationship is called mutualism.
The Yucca plant and its own species of moth show a very close case of mutualism, because neither can live a normal life without the other.

Step 2: Benefit to the moth:
The female moth lays her eggs in the ovary of the Yucca flower.
The flower gives the eggs a safe place, and the larvae feed on some of the developing seeds.

Step 3: Benefit to the plant:
While moving between flowers, the moth carries pollen and pollinates the Yucca flower.
The plant has no other pollinator, so it needs this moth to set seeds.
Only a few seeds are eaten, and the rest grow into new plants.

Final Answer:
Yucca gives the moth a place and food for its larvae, and the moth pollinates Yucca. Both depend on each other, so this is an obligate mutualism.