Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/ consequences?
- 1.Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
- 2.There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
- 3.It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders, and birds.
Select the correct one using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C. 1 and 3 only
Butterflies are significant pollinators for many flowering plants. A decline in their population would directly impact the reproductive success of these plants, leading to reduced pollination. Additionally, butterflies serve as a food source for various predators, including birds, spiders, and wasps. A decrease in butterfly numbers would therefore reduce the food availability for these species, potentially causing a decline in their populations. Fungal infections in plants are primarily influenced by factors like moisture, temperature, and host susceptibility, not directly by butterfly population size.
Source: UPSC gs1 2017