Evolutionary Oddities and Anachronisms

What makes the ginkgo biloba tree an evolutionary oddity?

• It is the only tree that produces seeds that smell like flowers.

• It is the only tree that can survive in Brooklyn.

• It has been around since before flowering plants and is the sole species in its category.

• It is the only tree that produces flowers.

Why do ginkgo seeds have a strong odor?

• To attract animals that are now extinct.

• To enhance the flavor of the seeds.

• To repel animals from eating them.

• To attract insects for pollination.

What was the role of extinct megafauna in the life cycle of the avocado?

• They protected the avocado trees from predators.

• They dispersed the avocado seeds by eating the fruit.

• They provided shade for the avocado trees.

• They pollinated the avocado flowers.

What is an evolutionary anachronism?

• A plant that has gone extinct.

• A relationship between living plants and extinct animals.

• A modern animal that has no evolutionary history.

• A trait that is currently being selected for.

How have humans influenced the survival of plants with evolutionary anachronisms?

• By introducing new predators to control their population.

• By planting and cultivating them, bypassing natural selection.

• By genetically modifying them to adapt to new environments.

• By creating new species of plants.