In a high-altitude meadow region, it was observed that over the last five years 20 forb species flowered 2-3 weeks earlier than their long-term average time of flowering. At the same time, their fruit production has fallen. The following statements were proposed as reasonable explanations for why this is happening:

A. The forbs are responding to a warming climate but pollinators are not available at the same time
B. Early flowering has increased competition for pollinators
C. Flowering and fruiting success are unrelated phenomena in forbs
D. Animals that eat fruits are not available at the right time so fruiting has stopped

Which one of the following options represents statements with correct reasonable explanations?

Correct option is C

Explanation-

Analyzing the statements-

​A. The forbs are responding to a warming climate but pollinators are not available at the same time  - Correct.
This reflects a phenological mismatch - Plants respond to temperature cues, while pollinators may rely on other cues (like photoperiod or different thermal thresholds).
Result: Flowers bloom without pollinators, reducing fruit set.
B. Early flowering has increased competition for pollinators  - Correct.
If multiple species flower early simultaneously, they may compete for a limited number of pollinators. This can reduce pollination success in each species → lower fruit production.
C. Flowering and fruiting success are unrelated phenomena in forbs  - Incorrect.
Fruiting success directly depends on successful pollination during flowering. These are tightly linked reproductive stages.
D. Animals that eat fruits are not available at the right time so fruiting has stopped  - Incorrect.
Animals that consume fruits may affect seed dispersal, but they do not cause or prevent fruiting. Fruiting requires successful pollination, not fruit consumers. So, not a primary factor in reduced fruit production

Final Answer:
Statements A and B offer the correct, reasonable ecological explanations for - Early flowering and reduced fruit production

Correct Option - Option c