Insects are important to many ecosystems. For example, bees help pollinate many different plants and many animals rely on insects as food sources. Citizen science projects allow the public to work together with scientists by collecting observational data on many types of organisms such as plants, birds, or insects.

Question

Which question could citizen science data answer that best illustrates insect population responses to climate change?
(1 point)
Responses

“How does caterpillar abundance and distribution change over the year?”
“How does caterpillar abundance and distribution change over the year?”
“How many dragonfly species are native to this region?”
“How many dragonfly species are native to this region?”
“What types of foods can butterflies eat?”
“What types of foods can butterflies eat?”
“What tree species provide the best habitat beetle species in this area?”

Answer 1

The question that best illustrates insect population responses to climate change is:

“How does caterpillar abundance and distribution change over the year?”

This question focuses on the abundance and distribution of a specific insect group (caterpillars) over time, which can provide valuable insights into how climate change may affect their life cycles, behavior, and interactions with their environment. Changes in temperature and seasonal patterns can significantly influence these aspects, making it a relevant inquiry in the context of climate change.