Question
Scientists have been tracking the growth of a certain beetle (Euchroma gigantean) in a large area of the Amazon rainforest since 2011. In the larval stage, the beetles can growth to more than 5 cm in length and they feed on decaying wood and plant matter on the forest floor. Adult beetles feed on plant pollen and leaves. Females lay their eggs in or on rotting wood. Population growth data for this beetle is shown in the chart.
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Recently, a large area of rainforest around the area of study has suffered extensive deforestation. The scientists want to predict how deforestation might affect the population of Euchroma gigantean within the next 5 years using the two options, A or B, as shown.
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Which prediction is MOST probable and why?
A.
Prediction A because Euchroma gigantea has reached its carrying capacity.
B.
Prediction A because the habitat of Euchroma gigantea was not affected by the deforestation.
C.
Prediction B because deforestation exposes the beetle larvae to increased sunlight during daytime and lower temperatures at night.
D.
Prediction B because deforestation destroys the mating habitat of adult beetles and severely reduces the food source for the larval Euchroma gigantean beetle.
image image
Recently, a large area of rainforest around the area of study has suffered extensive deforestation. The scientists want to predict how deforestation might affect the population of Euchroma gigantean within the next 5 years using the two options, A or B, as shown.
image
Which prediction is MOST probable and why?
A.
Prediction A because Euchroma gigantea has reached its carrying capacity.
B.
Prediction A because the habitat of Euchroma gigantea was not affected by the deforestation.
C.
Prediction B because deforestation exposes the beetle larvae to increased sunlight during daytime and lower temperatures at night.
D.
Prediction B because deforestation destroys the mating habitat of adult beetles and severely reduces the food source for the larval Euchroma gigantean beetle.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The most probable prediction is:
**D. Prediction B because deforestation destroys the mating habitat of adult beetles and severely reduces the food source for the larval Euchroma gigantean beetle.**
Reasoning:
1. **Impact of Deforestation**: Deforestation can significantly disrupt the habitats of many species, including Euchroma gigantean. The larvae rely on decaying wood and plant matter, which are diminished in deforested areas. Adult beetles require foliage and pollen, which are also likely to be reduced or eliminated in a deforested environment.
2. **Mating Habitat**: The destruction of habitats not only affects food availability but also disrupts the breeding activities of adult beetles. If females cannot find suitable locations to lay their eggs (such as rotting wood), the population will likely decline.
3. **Increased Environmental Stress**: While increased sunlight exposure mentioned in option C may seem beneficial for some organisms, it can be detrimental for species that thrive in shaded, moist environments like the beetles in question. Increased temperature fluctuations could further stress the beetle population.
Overall, the combination of food source reduction and loss of mating habitat due to deforestation will most likely lead to a decline in the population of Euchroma gigantean, making prediction B the most plausible outcome.
**D. Prediction B because deforestation destroys the mating habitat of adult beetles and severely reduces the food source for the larval Euchroma gigantean beetle.**
Reasoning:
1. **Impact of Deforestation**: Deforestation can significantly disrupt the habitats of many species, including Euchroma gigantean. The larvae rely on decaying wood and plant matter, which are diminished in deforested areas. Adult beetles require foliage and pollen, which are also likely to be reduced or eliminated in a deforested environment.
2. **Mating Habitat**: The destruction of habitats not only affects food availability but also disrupts the breeding activities of adult beetles. If females cannot find suitable locations to lay their eggs (such as rotting wood), the population will likely decline.
3. **Increased Environmental Stress**: While increased sunlight exposure mentioned in option C may seem beneficial for some organisms, it can be detrimental for species that thrive in shaded, moist environments like the beetles in question. Increased temperature fluctuations could further stress the beetle population.
Overall, the combination of food source reduction and loss of mating habitat due to deforestation will most likely lead to a decline in the population of Euchroma gigantean, making prediction B the most plausible outcome.