Q96.
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 answer using the code given below:
Answer
C
Explanation
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Butterflies are pollinating insects and help in pollination of many flowering plants. Butterflies also act as a lower member of the food chain — a number of animals including birds and mice feed on butterflies. As butterfly populations diminish, so will populations of birds and other animals that rely on them as a food source. Statement 2 is not correct — a fall in butterfly population is not linked to increase in fungal infections in cultivated plants.