The yucca and the yucca moth have an exclusive plant‒pollinator relationship.Which would represent a cost, rather than a benefit, of this relationship?
A) The moth always delivers pollen to the correct plant species.
B) The moth eggs are laid near their food source.
C) The moth has no competitors for the yucca's pollen.
D) The yucca will always have a pollinator.
E) Neither species can survive without the other.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The idea that neither species can survive without the other suggests that the relationship is obligate, meaning that if one species were to be lost, the other would also be lost. This mutual dependence could be seen as a cost because the species become vulnerable to environmental changes that could affect one or both partners.

The Yucca and the Yucca Moth Have an Exclusive Plant‒pollinator