Given below are two statements:Statement I: Fig fruit is a non-vegetarian fruit as ithas enclosed fig wasps in it.Statement II: Fig wasp and fig tree exhibit mutualrelationship as fig wasp completes its life cycle infig fruit and fig fruit gets pollinated by fig wasp.In the light of the above statements, choose the mostappropriate answer from the options given below
Answer
Detailed Explanation:
Statement I:
“Fig fruit is a non-vegetarian fruit as it has enclosed fig wasps in it.”
✘ Incorrect
- This statement is scientifically misleading.
- Fig fruits (syconia) do have a mutualistic relationship with fig wasps, where female wasps enter the fruit to lay eggs.
- However, their presence does not classify the fig as non-vegetarian in biological or dietary terms.
- Botanically, fig remains a plant-based fruit regardless of this interaction.
Statement II:
“Fig wasp and fig tree exhibit mutual relationship as fig wasp completes its life cycle in fig fruit and fig fruit gets pollinated by fig wasp.”
✔ Correct
- This is a classic example of mutualism.
- The fig tree offers a site and nutrients for the wasp’s life cycle.
- The fig wasp helps in pollinating the fig while laying eggs.
- This interaction is essential for reproduction of both species and is often species-specific.
✅ Final Answer: Option (4) — Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct