Biology · Ecology and Environment

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 fa llen. 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 (phenological mismatch). 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?