I am amused to learn about fig wasp (from Karthik Teegalapalli) and its 80 million years association with fig tree. The fig wasps has a species specific relationship with fig trees. Their life is only around figs!!
The female fig wasp enters the fig flower, lays eggs and dies. The eggs (already fertilized) then develops into wasps and male fig wasps emerge before females. The wingless male then fertilize the female and chew open the closed fig flower for the females. Then all the females with fertilized eggs and pollens from the fig flower venture out looking for exactly same species of fig to lay eggs and pollinate.
This cycle goes on. Imagine what if we continue using pesticides and chemicals that are harmful to fragile insects like these, what will happen to the fig trees in the nature. Fig trees are known to support several species of animals with its fruits and leaves though their flowers are pollinated by just one species of fig wasp.
This is a wonderful association of plants and animals I have learnt today. Thanks to Karthik.
Interested to know more? Read here as well http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fig_wasp
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