In the tropical rainforest, the majority of trees have showy animal-pollinated flowers. In temperate forests the majority of trees are wind pollinated. Which factors best explain these contrasting patterns ?
(i) Wind is rare in tropical forests.
(ii) Because of high species diversity in the tropics, individuals of trees species are often widely separated making wind an inefficient means of pollen dispersal.
(iii) More opportunities for coevolved mutualisms exist in tropical forests because of the high diversity of animal species.
(iv) Trees in tropical forests are mostly evergreen and year-round leaf canopies impede pollen dispersal by wind.
(v) Flowering in tropical forests occurs over a short period of time when wind is absent.
(a) (i) , (ii) and (v)
(b) (i),(iii) and (v)
(c) (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(d) (ii) and (iv)

Options

A. (i) , (ii) and (v)
B. (i),(iii) and (v)
C. (ii), (iii) and (iv)
D. (ii) and (iv)

Answer

To solve the question regarding the contrasting patterns of pollination in tropical and temperate forests, we will analyze each statement provided and determine which factors best explain these patterns.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Context**:
- In tropical rainforests, most trees have showy, animal-pollinated flowers.
- In temperate forests, most trees are wind-pollinated.

2. **Analyzing Each Statement**:
- **(i) Wind is rare in tropical forests**: This statement is incorrect. Wind is present in tropical forests, so it cannot explain the difference in pollination methods.
- **(ii) Because of high species diversity in the tropics, individuals of tree species are often widely separated, making wind an inefficient means of pollen dispersal**: This statement is true. High species diversity means that trees are more spaced out, making wind pollination less effective.
- **(iii) More opportunities for coevolved mutualisms exist in tropical forests because of the high diversity of animal species**: This statement is also true. The diverse animal species can lead to more effective animal pollination through mutualistic relationships.
- **(iv) Trees in tropical forests are mostly evergreen and year-round leaf canopies impede pollen dispersal by wind**: This statement is true. The evergreen nature of tropical trees can hinder wind pollination.
- **(v) Flowering in tropical forests occurs over a short period of time when wind is absent**: This statement is misleading. While flowering may be concentrated, it does not necessarily mean that wind is absent; thus, it does not effectively explain the pollination patterns.

3. **Identifying the Correct Combinations**:
- **Option (a)**: (i), (ii), and (v) - Incorrect because (i) is false.
- **Option (b)**: (i), (iii), and (v) - Incorrect because (i) is false.
- **Option (c)**: (ii), (iii), and (iv) - Correct as all statements are true and explain the patterns.
- **Option (d)**: (ii) and (iv) - Partially correct but does not include the important role of mutualism (iii).

4. **Conclusion**:
- The best explanation for the contrasting patterns of pollination is given by **Option (c)**: (ii), (iii), and (iv).

### Final Answer:
**(c) (ii), (iii), and (iv)**

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