Oak leaves contain high concentrations of tannins, which make them unpalatable to humans and many herbivores. However, several insects feed on oak leaves. These phenomena provide a good example of :
A) mimicry by predatory insects.
B) commensalism by predatory insects.
C) the evolutionary arms race of predator-prey interactions.
D) commensalism, because the insects do not kill the host plant.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of tannins in oak leaves and the adaptation of certain insects to feed on these leaves despite the tannins illustrate the evolutionary arms race of predator-prey interactions. This is a process where prey species evolve defenses against predators, and predators evolve counter-adaptations to overcome those defenses.

Oak Leaves Contain High Concentrations of Tannins, Which Make Them