UPSC Prelims 2024 question on Fig Wasp Coevolution

Analysis

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.

This mutualistic coevolution between the fig and the fig wasp is unique – the fig tree can only be pollinated by its specific partner wasp.