Question

Match List I with List II:
List I:
A. {Megachile
B. {Apis
C. {Tegeticula
D. {Blastophaga
List II:
I. Smyrna fig
II. Yucca
III. Alfalfa
IV. Okra
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
• B. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
• C. A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
• D. A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II

Hint:

Remember the classic symbiotic mutualisms taught in ecology:
- Tegeticula moth \(\leftrightarrow\) Yucca plant (C-II).
- Blastophaga wasp \(\leftrightarrow\) Fig tree (D-I).
- Megachile bee \(\leftrightarrow\) Alfalfa (A-III).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Many insect orders, particularly within Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera, have evolved obligate or beneficial pollination relationships with specific flowering plants.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us establish the correct biological pairings between pollinators and plants:
A. {Megachile (Leafcutter bees): Renowned as the most efficient pollinators of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (III), as they can effectively "trip" the alfalfa flower structure to release pollen.
B. {Apis (Honey bees): Broadly polyphagous pollinators that actively visit vegetables like Okra (IV).
C. {Tegeticula (Yucca moth): Shares a famous obligate mutualistic relationship with the Yucca plant (II), where the moth actively deposits pollen while ovipositing in the ovary.
D. {Blastophaga (Fig wasp): Serves as the specific obligate pollinator of the Smyrna fig (I) through caprification.
Therefore, the correct match is:
A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

Step 3: Final Answer:
This matching sequence is represented by option (C).