Question

Given below are two statements.
Statement I - Calotropis growing in abandoned fields is never consumed by cattle and goats.
Statement II - Calotropis produces highly poisonous cardiac glycosides.
In light of above statements, select the most appropriate answer from the option given below.

• A. Both statement I and statement II are correct.
• B. Both statement I and statement II are incorrect.
• C. Statement I is correct and statement II is incorrect.
• D. Statement I is incorrect and statement II is correct.

Hint:

Defense strategy: Toxic chemicals $\rightarrow$ Herbivores avoid plant (e.g., Calotropis)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Plants develop various defense mechanisms to avoid herbivory, including production of toxic chemicals.
• Calotropis is a common weed in abandoned fields.
• It produces cardiac glycosides, which are toxic compounds.
• These chemicals deter herbivores like cattle and goats.

Step 1: Analyze Statement I.
Calotropis is generally avoided by grazing animals due to its toxicity. Hence, Statement I is correct.

Step 2: Analyze Statement II.
Calotropis produces cardiac glycosides, which affect heart function and are poisonous. Hence, Statement II is correct.

Step 3: Link cause and effect.
The toxicity (Statement II) explains why animals avoid it (Statement I).

Step 4: Conclusion.
Both statements are correct. Final Answer: Option (A)