Which ranking correctly indicates the expected rate of speciation, from highest to lowest, of plants pollinated by wind, by animals that are generalist pollinators, and by animals that are specialist pollinators?
A) Wind generalist specialist
B) Specialist generalist wind
C) Generalist specialist wind
D) Specialist wind generalist
E) Generalist wind specialist

Question

Which ranking correctly indicates the expected rate of speciation, from highest to lowest, of plants pollinated by wind, by animals that are generalist pollinators, and by animals that are specialist pollinators?
A) Wind > generalist > specialist
B) Specialist > generalist > wind
C) Generalist > specialist > wind
D) Specialist > wind > generalist
E) Generalist > wind > specialist

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plants pollinated by specialist animals tend to have a higher rate of speciation because the relationship between the plant and the pollinator is more specific and therefore changes in one can drive changes in the other. Wind-pollinated plants have a lower rate of speciation as they do not rely on a specific pollinator, and generalist pollinators may contribute to speciation but at a lower rate than specialist pollinators. Therefore, the expected rate of speciation is highest for plants pollinated by specialist animals, followed by generalist pollinators and then wind.

Which Ranking Correctly Indicates the Expected Rate of Speciation, from Highest