Question

The Cretaceous Period was marked by the increase in number and variety of angiosperms. Insects also diversified enormously during the same period. Can you propose the reason or reasons that could foster coevolution?

a) Climate changes led to the diversification of both plants and insects.
b) Insects began to specialize in pollinating angiosperms, promoting their diversification.
c) Increased competition between insects necessitated their diversification.
d) Angiosperms developed toxic compounds, forcing insects to diversify.

Answer 1

Coevolution between angiosperms and insects during the Cretaceous Period involved mutual adaptations for pollination and herbivory, leading to their diversification.

Step-by-step explanation:

The increase in number and variety of angiosperms during the Cretaceous Period, along with the enormous diversification of insects, can be attributed to the concept of coevolution. This is a process where two or more species reciprocally affect each other's evolution. Coevolution between angiosperms and insects likely occurred due to angular plants evolving flowers to attract insects for pollination, offering them food sources in return. Insects, on their part, evolved specialized features like mouthparts and senses to better exploit these food sources and aid in pollination, which in turn promoted diversification of angiosperms. Additionally, the coevolutionary 'arms race' due to herbivory, where plants developed defensive strategies such as toxic compounds and tough seeds, led insects to adapt and diversify to overcome these defenses.