Question

Fig trees (genus Ficus) are considered sacred in India, East Asia and Africa and are common in agricultural and urban landscapes where other large trees are absent. In natural forests, fig trees provide food for wildlife when other resources are scarce and support a high density and diversity of frugivores (fruit-eating animals). If frugivorous birds and bats continue to visit fig trees located in sites with high human disturbance, sacred fig trees may promote frugivore abundance. Under favourable microclimate, plenty of seedings of other tree species would grow around fig trees. 

On the basis of the passage given above, the 2 following assumptions have been made:

1. Fig trees can often be keystone species in natural forests.

2. Fig trees can grow where other large woody species cannot grow.

3. Sacred trees can have a role in biodiversity conservation.

4. Fig trees have a role in the seed dispersal of other tree species.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only

Assumption 1 is correct based on the sentence in the passage "In natural forests fig trees provide food for wildlife when other resources are scarce" and several other sentences (keystone species in natural forest). Assumption 2 is correct based on "Fig trees are common in agricultural and urban landscapes where other large trees are absent". Assumption 3 cannot be made because fig trees are considered sacred and have a role in biodiversity but from this single instance we cannot assume all sacred trees have a role in biodiversity. Option 4 assumption is mentioned because "Plenty of seedlings of other trees grow under fig tree". But it doesn't state whether fig trees help in dispersal o seeds or seedlings grow under the fig tree.