Question
Which one of the following is a result of antagonistic coevolution?
The correct answer is
Caterpillars that feed on chemically-defended host plants
Understanding Antagonistic Coevolution
Antagonistic coevolution describes an evolutionary process where two species exert selective pressures on each other, leading to adaptations and counter-adaptations. This often occurs in predator-prey, parasite-host, or herbivore-plant relationships, creating an "evolutionary arms race."
Analyzing Evolutionary Scenarios
Let's examine why certain options represent antagonistic coevolution:
- Option 1: Convergent evolution of bird wings and bat wings - This is convergence, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures (flight), not antagonistic interaction.
- Option 2: Adaptive radiation of beak shape in Darwin's finches - This is adaptive radiation, driven by diversification into available ecological niches, primarily related to food sources.
- Option 3: Caterpillars feeding on chemically-defended host plants - This is a prime example of antagonistic coevolution. The host plant evolves chemical defenses to deter herbivores. In response, caterpillars evolve mechanisms to tolerate or detoxify these chemicals, allowing them to feed on the plant. This cycle of defense and counter-defense exemplifies an evolutionary arms race.
- Option 4: Specialised morphology of orchid flowers for pollination - This is typically mutualistic coevolution, where the flower and pollinator evolve adaptations that benefit both species.
Conclusion on Antagonistic Coevolution
The interaction between caterpillars and plants with chemical defenses showcases a direct conflict and reciprocal adaptation, fitting the definition of antagonistic coevolution.
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Important Questions from Community interactions
- Certain species of ibex and weevils depend on the same food source. A study finds that the removal of ibex results in an increase in the number of weevils, but the removal of weevils does not affect the ibex. Which one of the following options best describes this interaction?
- Fungus S infects elm trees and fungus T infects chestnut trees, and both kill their hosts within a year of infection. A forest with equal density of elm and chestnut trees is colonized by both pathogenic fungi. A 100 years later, the elm tree population has declined and the chestnut trees have become extinct. Which one of the following mechanisms would NOT contribute to this outcome?
- Observations of algal species showed that their diversity was higher in pools where there were grazing snails compared to pools without snails. Which one of the following statements best explains this result?
- Which one of the following ecological processes best explains the observation thatseedling establishment increases with distance from the parent tree in a forest?
- Depending on soil nutrient availability, which one or more of the following interaction(s) can occur between soil mycorrhizal fungi and plants?
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