The cycads, a mostly tropical phylum of gymnosperms, evolved about 300 million years ago and were dominant forms during the age of the dinosaurs. Though their sperm are flagellated, their ovules are pollinated by beetles. These beetles get nutrition from the pollen and shelter from the microsporophylls. Upon visiting megasporophylls, the beetles transfer pollen to the exposed ovules. In cycads, pollen cones and seed cones are borne on different plants. Cycads synthesise neurotoxins, especially in the seeds, that are effective against most animals, including humans.
On the Pacific island of Guam, large herbivorous bats called "flying foxes" commonly feed on cycad seeds, a potent source of neurotoxins. The flying foxes do not visit male cones.
-Which of the following proposed studies would be worth investigating next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Investigating the effects of the neurotoxins on the beetles is relevant because beetles play a crucial role in the pollination of cycads, and understanding how the neurotoxins affect them could provide insights into the evolutionary relationship between cycads and their pollinators.

The Cycads, a Mostly Tropical Phylum of Gymnosperms, Evolved About