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

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

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.

Answer 1

The most likely outcome of the change in the ecosystem, given the reduction in the bee population due to increased predation, is:

The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

This is because many plants rely specifically on bees for pollination. If the bee population declines significantly, those plants may not be pollinated effectively, leading to reduced reproduction and potentially causing their numbers to decrease. Over time, this can result in a less diverse plant community.