Connection: Large Blue caterpillars do not pose a significant threat to the oregano plant.

Question

Which piece of evidence from the passage supports this connection? Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

"From an evolutionary perspective, Thomas and Barbero say that the Large Blue butterflies gained an advantage by using scents to glean which oregano plants are fighting off Myrmica invasions."
"From an evolutionary perspective, Thomas and Barbero say that the Large Blue butterflies gained an advantage by using scents to glean which oregano plants are fighting off Myrmica invasions."

"Large Blue caterpillars only gain 1 to 2 percent of their body weight by nibbling on the oregano leaves during the early stages of life."
"Large Blue caterpillars only gain 1 to 2 percent of their body weight by nibbling on the oregano leaves during the early stages of life."

"And though Myrmica might lose individual battles to the butterflies, the ants are invasive enough that their total populations aren’t at risk of being harmed by the butterflies."
"And though Myrmica might lose individual battles to the butterflies, the ants are invasive enough that their total populations aren’t at risk of being harmed by the butterflies."

"The overwhelming majority of their sustenance—98 to 99 percent—comes from eating ants."
"The overwhelming majority of their sustenance—98 to 99 percent—comes from eating ants."

"But if butterfly larvae tried to trick the wrong patsies—non-Mymirca ants—they’d likely get eaten."

Answer 1

The two pieces of evidence that support the connection that large blue caterpillars do not pose a significant threat to the oregano plant are:

1. "Large Blue caterpillars only gain 1 to 2 percent of their body weight by nibbling on the oregano leaves during the early stages of life."
2. "The overwhelming majority of their sustenance—98 to 99 percent—comes from eating ants."

These statements indicate that the caterpillars rely primarily on ants for nourishment and only lightly feed on oregano, suggesting a minimal impact on the oregano plant.