What is the term used to describe the interdependent evolution of flowering plants and pollinating insects?

Co-evolution

The correct answer is Option (2)- Co-evolution

The interactions between plants and animals often involve co-evolution, where the evolutionary changes in both the flower and the pollinator species are closely intertwined.

In certain species of fig trees, there is a specific and exclusive relationship with a particular species of pollinating wasp. This means that a given fig species can only be pollinated by its specific partner wasp species and no other species.

The female wasp utilizes the fig fruit as both a site for laying eggs and a source of nourishment for its larvae from the developing seeds within the fruit. As the wasp searches for suitable egg-laying sites, it inadvertently pollinates the fig inflorescence.

In return for the pollination services, the fig provides the wasp with some of its developing seeds as food for the growing wasp larvae.