A group of plants has evolved a secondary metabolite that deters insect herbivores, followed by adaptive radiation of those plants and subsequently an adaptive radiation of herbivores resistant to the anti-herbivory chemical.The insect-plant interaction is very specific.The best description of this scenario involves
A) chemical evolution.
B) reciprocal adaptation.
C) storage of plant toxins.
D) reduction of herbivory.
E) reduction of plant toxicity.

Question

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The scenario described involves reciprocal adaptation, where the evolution of a secondary metabolite in the plants led to the selection of insect herbivores resistant to the chemical, and subsequent adaptive radiation of both groups. Chemical evolution (choice A) and storage of plant toxins (choice C) may be involved, but reciprocal adaptation best describes the dynamic between the plants and their herbivores. Reduction of herbivory (choice D) and reduction of plant toxicity (choice E) are not accurate descriptions of the scenario as it involves the evolution of anti-herbivory chemicals and resistant herbivores.

A Group of Plants Has Evolved a Secondary Metabolite That