The figure shows the evolutionary diversification of the largest clade of herbivorous beetles with the group of plants on which they specialize. Choose the true statements about the evolution of species richness in herbivorous beetles.

a. Feeding on conifers evolved earlier than feeding on angiosperms. Feeding on conifers evolved earlier than feeding on angiosperms.

b. Feeding on cycads evolved earlier than feeding on angiosperms. Feeding on cycads evolved earlier than feeding on angiosperms.

c. Diversification of the angiosperms may have led to diversification of herbivorous beetles. Diversification of the angiosperms may have led to diversification of herbivorous beetles.

d. The multiple, independent evolution of herbivory in beetles is closely linked to their great species richness.

a. Feeding on conifers evolved earlier than feeding on angiosperms. Feeding on conifers evolved earlier than feeding on angiosperms.

c. Diversification of the angiosperms may have led to diversification of herbivorous beetles. Diversification of the angiosperms may have led to diversification of herbivorous beetles.

Explanation:

Biological evolution corresponds to the process of modification and adaptation of species over time. The current diversity of living beings is the result of processes of transformation and adaptation of species to different environments, constituting biological evolution. This can be seen in various spheres of biological life on our planet, and in the case of beetles and plants mentioned in the question above, the evolution of species richness and herbivorous beetles can develop the following information:

Feeding on conifers evolved earlier than feeding on angiosperms. Diversification of the angiosperms may have led to diversification of herbivorous beetles.