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.

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

Bees will start to avoid this area because of predation.

Answer 1

The most likely outcome of a sudden increase in the population of a bee predator, leading to a reduction in the bee population and consequently reduced pollination, is:

The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

Without sufficient pollination from bees, many plants that depend on them for reproduction may fail to produce seeds and fruit, leading to a decline in their populations. This can result in a less diverse plant community overall.