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.
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.
Wind will pollinate plants in this area.
The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.
The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.
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 reduction in the bee population due to predation by the dragonflies will lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of pollination. As bees are the primary pollinators for these plants, with fewer bees available to carry out pollination, the plants will not receive as much pollen and will have reduced reproductive success. This will eventually lead to a decline in the population sizes of the bee-pollinated plants.
While it is possible that plants that were previously bee-pollinated may attract new insect pollinators, this is less likely to occur immediately after the sudden increase in the dragonfly population. It takes time for other insect pollinators to recognize and start visiting these plants. Therefore, this option is not the most likely outcome initially.
Similarly, wind pollination may occur for some plants, but it is typically less efficient compared to insect pollination, especially for plants that have evolved to specifically rely on bees for pollination. Wind pollination is less targeted and may lead to reduced pollination success for these plants.
Overall, the reduction in bee population and the subsequent decrease in successful pollination will likely have negative consequences for the plant community, leading to a smaller and less diverse ecosystem.