The following text discusses plant biology.
Most plants rely on insects or wind for pollination, but some have evolved to use water. Seagrasses, which grow completely submerged in the ocean, release their pollen into the water where currents carry it to female flowers. Scientists recently discovered that tiny marine invertebrates also help transport seagrass pollen, much like bees pollinate land plants. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that animal-assisted pollination was limited to terrestrial environments.
What main point does the text make about pollination?
Bees are the most effective pollinators for all plants
Animal-assisted pollination exists in marine environments, contrary to earlier beliefs
Wind pollination is more common than insect pollination
Seagrasses will soon go extinct due to climate change
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text emphasizes that the discovery "challenges the long-held assumption that animal-assisted pollination was limited to terrestrial environments."
- Evidence: Marine invertebrates help pollinate seagrass.
- Reasoning: This contradicts previous assumptions about animal pollination.
- Conclusion: Animal pollination is not limited to land, changing our understanding.
Choice A is incorrect because the text discusses alternatives to bee pollination. Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn't compare frequency of methods. Choice D is incorrect because extinction isn't mentioned.