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 the reduction in the bee population due to an increase in the population of a bee predator (such as dragonflies) is:

The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

This is because many plants rely specifically on bees for pollination. If bee populations decline significantly, these plants may fail to reproduce effectively, leading to a reduction in plant numbers and diversity. While it's possible that other pollinators might emerge, the immediate and most significant effect is the impact on the plants that depend specifically on bees.