Consider a field where many plants are specifically pollinated by bees. If there was a sudden increase in the population of a bee predator, such as the dragonfly, we might observe a reduction in the bee population, which would lead to reduced pollination. Select the most likely outcome of this change in the ecosystem. (1 point)

Responses

Bees will start to avoid this area because of predation.
Bees will start to avoid this area because of predation.

The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.
The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

Plants that were bee-pollinated will attract new insect pollinators.
Plants that were bee-pollinated will attract new insect pollinators.

Wind will pollinate plants in this area.

The most likely outcome of this change in the ecosystem would be:

The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

This is because the reduction in the bee population would result in fewer plants being able to be pollinated, leading to a decrease in the overall plant community size and diversity.

The most likely outcome of this change in the ecosystem is that the plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

The most likely outcome of a sudden increase in the population of a bee predator, such as the dragonfly, in a field where many plants are specifically pollinated by bees is that the plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

Explanation:

The reason for this is that with a reduction in the bee population due to increased predation, there will be a decrease in the number of bees available for pollination. Bees are important pollinators for many plant species, and their absence or reduced numbers can result in a decrease in pollination.

When plants are not effectively pollinated, their ability to reproduce and produce seeds is compromised. Over time, this can lead to a decline in the overall plant community, as plants that rely on bee pollination for reproduction may not be able to produce enough offspring.

Additionally, the reduced diversity in the plant community may result from the fact that certain plants may be more reliant on bee pollination than others. If these plants are unable to reproduce successfully, it could lead to a shift in the composition of the plant community, with plants that do not depend on bee pollination becoming more dominant.

Therefore, the most likely outcome in this scenario is that the plant community will become smaller and less diverse.