If a plant's fitness is largely influenced by how well leaves survive,then which of the following predictions regarding chemical defenses is correct?
A) Plants will likely invest the most costly constitutive chemicals in petals.
B) Plants will equally invest constitutive chemicals in the petals and leaves.
C) Plants will likely invest the most costly constitutive chemicals in leaves.
D) None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If a plant's fitness is largely influenced by how well leaves survive, then it is likely that the plant will prioritize investing the most costly constitutive chemicals in leaves to defend and protect them. This will improve the survival and health of the leaves, which in turn, will contribute to the overall fitness of the plant. Petals, on the other hand, serve primarily as attractive structures for pollinators and do not directly contribute to the plant's survival, so it is less likely that plants will invest the most costly constitutive chemicals in petals.

If a Plant's Fitness Is Largely Influenced by How Well