In many species of fig trees, there is a tight one-to-one relationship with the pollinator species of wasp. It means that a given fig species can be pollinated only by its ‘partner’ wasp species and no other species. The wasp pollinates the fig inflorescence while looking for suitable egg-laying sites. In return for the favour of pollination, the fig offers the wasp some of its developing seeds as food for the developing wasp larvae.
The interaction between fig trees and wasp is an example of

Options

A. mutualism
B. commensalism
C. amensalism
D. parasitism

Answer

A

Explanation

Mutualism is an interaction between two organisms of different species in which both the partners are benefitted, with none of the two capable of living seperately. In many species of fig trees there is a relationship with the pollinator species of wasp. The female wasp uses the fruit not only as oviposition but also uses the developing seeds within the fruit for nourishing its larvae. The wasp pollinates the fig inflorescence, while searching for suitable egg-laying sites. The fig returns the favour of pollination by offering the wasp some of its developing seeds, as food for the developing wasp larvae.