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 beee population, which would lead to reduced pollination. Select the most likely outcome of this change in the ecosystem.
Options:
The plant community will become smaller and less diverse
Plants that were bee-pollinated will attract new insect pollinators
Bees will start to avoid this area because of predation
Wind will pollinate plants in this area
The most likely outcome of this change in the ecosystem would be that plants that were bee-pollinated will attract new insect pollinators.
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. This is because reduced pollination by bees would likely result in a decrease in the number of plants that are able to reproduce successfully, leading to a decrease in their population size. As a result, the overall plant community would become smaller, and the loss of specific plant species that rely on bee pollination could also lead to a decrease in the diversity of the plant community.
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 bee population will be reduced, leading to reduced pollination. Based on this information, let's evaluate the given options:
1. The plant community will become smaller and less diverse: This option is a plausible outcome. Reduced pollination can result in fewer seeds being produced and fewer offspring being produced by plants, which can lead to a decline in the overall plant population and diversity.
2. Plants that were bee-pollinated will attract new insect pollinators: This option is less likely. While some plants may be able to attract alternative insect pollinators, the sudden increase in the population of a bee predator may disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem, making it challenging for new insect pollinators to establish themselves quickly enough to compensate for the decrease in bee population.
3. Bees will start to avoid this area because of predation: This option is plausible. Bees are likely to avoid areas with a higher risk of predation by dragonflies. If the predation pressure becomes too great, bees may either relocate to safer areas or experience a decline in population density within the field.
4. Wind will pollinate plants in this area: This option is less likely. While wind pollination is a natural method of plant reproduction for some species, it is less efficient compared to insect pollination. The sudden decrease in bee pollination is unlikely to result in a significant shift to wind pollination, especially if the field primarily consists of plants adapted to insect pollination.
Given these options, the most likely outcome is that the plant community will become smaller and less diverse due to the reduced bee population and pollination.