Consider a field where many plants are specifically pollinated by bees. If there was a sudden increase in the population of a bee predator, such as the dragonfly, we might observe a reduction in the bee population, which would lead to reduced pollination. Select the most likely outcome of this change in the ecosystem. (1 point)

Question

Responses

Wind will pollinate plants in this area.
Wind will pollinate plants in this area.

Bees will start to avoid this area because of predation.
Bees will start to avoid this area because of predation.

The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.
The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

Plants that were bee-pollinated will attract new insect pollinators.

Answer 1

The most likely outcome of this change in the ecosystem is:

The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

This is because a reduction in the bee population, which is crucial for the pollination of many plants, would lead to a decrease in reproduction and survival of those plants that rely on bees for pollination. Over time, this could result in a decline in plant species diversity in that area.