Question

Milkweed plants are the only source of energy for the monarch butterfly caterpillars. Aphids are insects that insert their mouthparts into the milkweed plant and suck out the liquid inside the plant, causing drastic declines in the population of milkweed plants.
How could the aphid population on the milkweed plant impact the population of monarch butterflies?

(pick an answer)

The number of monarch butterflies will stay the same because their caterpillars will begin consuming nectar from different types of flowers.


The number of monarch butterflies will decrease because their caterpillars will not have enough food.


The number of monarch butterflies will stay the same because butterflies reproduce so rapidly their populations can withstand most food shortages.


The number of monarch butterflies will increase because their reproduction rate will increase to ensure some individuals survive.