Question

A botanist observes a large population of a particular type of beetle eating the leaves of one tree but not the leaves of a nearby tree. What should the botanist do first to study the interaction of these organisms in the ecosystem?
Remove the beetle population from the tree, and study them in the lab.
Identify the species of the beetle and the species of both trees.
Determine why the beetle is eating one tree but not the other.
Recommend a treatment that will keep the beetles from eating the trees.

Answer 1

The first step the botanist should take to study the interaction of these organisms in the ecosystem is to **identify the species of the beetle and the species of both trees**. This foundational step is crucial as it provides the necessary background information for understanding the ecological relationships and interactions at play. Identifying the organisms involved allows the botanist to gather more specific data about their behaviors, preferences, and potential factors influencing the beetle's feeding habits. After this identification, the botanist can then proceed to investigate why the beetle is eating one tree and not the other, or select further appropriate actions based on the findings.