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.

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.

The plant community will become smaller and less diverse

Answer 1

The most likely outcome of the change in the ecosystem, considering the reduction in bee population due to an increase in their predator, the dragonfly, would be:

The plant community will become smaller and less diverse.

This outcome results from the fact that many plants depend specifically on bees for pollination. With fewer bees to pollinate them, those plant species may struggle to reproduce, leading to a decrease in their populations. Over time, this can result in a decline in plant diversity, as some species may go extinct or be significantly reduced in number.