Some flowering plants adjust their scents to aid in survival. For example, the Brassica rapa plant in the turnip family has a floral fragrance that helps the plant attract pollinators. As a consequence, the plant attracts caterpillars that feed on it as well. If a caterpillar infestation occurs, the turnip plant decreases its floral scent using special scent signals in its leaves. A decrease in floral fragrance results in the plant becoming more attractive to parasitic wasps. These wasps kill the caterpillars, helping the plant to survive.

Match causes with their effects.

1 answer

Certainly! Below are the causes and their corresponding effects based on the information provided:

Causes and Effects

  1. Attraction of pollinators by the Brassica rapa floral fragrance

    • Effect: Increased likelihood of pollination and reproduction for the plant.
  2. Caterpillar infestation on the Brassica rapa plant

    • Effect: The plant decreases its floral scent.
  3. Decrease in floral fragrance due to caterpillar infestation

    • Effect: The plant becomes more attractive to parasitic wasps.
  4. Attraction of parasitic wasps to the turnip plant

    • Effect: Parasitic wasps kill the caterpillars, helping the plant to survive.

This sequence of events illustrates the plant's adaptive response to threats in its environment to ensure its survival and reproduction.