Due to some reasons if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?
- Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
- There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
- It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 1 and 3 only
Butterflies play a crucial role as pollinators and as prey in food webs. A significant decline in butterfly populations would adversely affect pollination of many flowering plants and reduce food availability for their predators like wasps, spiders, and insectivorous birds, leading to cascading ecological effects.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Butterflies are important pollinators for numerous flowering plants, and their population decline would negatively impact pollination success, affecting fruit and seed production.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Butterfly population decline is not directly linked to increased fungal infections in cultivated plants; fungal diseases are primarily influenced by environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and plant health rather than butterfly populations.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Butterflies serve as a critical food source for various predators including wasps, spiders, and insectivorous birds; their decline would disrupt the food chain and negatively impact these predator populations.
Question 3 of 6 Structure and Functions of Ecosystem
Practice PYQ questions from this topic across all years
Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit wat...
Which of the following adds/add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on the planet Eart...