"The Ant, Butterfly, and the Oregano Plant" by Nsikan Akpan In a new study, Thomas and an international collaboration of biologists outline an answer: The oregano plant uses chemical warfare. The researchers found that when ants invade oregano’s territory, the plant makes a chemical agent that first tries to directly kill the ants, but then attracts pregnant Large Blue butterflies and their ant-gobbling larvae as reinforcements. The findings were published July 7 in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Ant-loving butterflies, known as myrmecophiles, are common. Of the 17,500 butterfly species on the planet, nearly a quarter boast larvae that interact with ants. But experts say the complexity of this newly discovered battle consisting of moves and countermoves is beautiful, unique and a first-of-its-kind discovery. Of the known myrmecophiles, I’m not aware of another relationship that involves three species at once or middlemen to find prey, said ecologist Karsten Schönrogge of Center for Ecology & Hydrology in England, who wasn’t involved in the study. 1 of 2 Question Use the passage from “The Aunt, the Butterfly, and Their Chemical Warfare With the Oregano Plan” by Nsikan Akpan to answer the question. How does the author effectively communicate the interactions in the passage? (1 point) Responses By referencing reputable studies and scientists to build credibility with the audience. By referencing reputable studies and scientists to build credibility with the audience. By employing loaded language to indicate the dire consequences for the social parasites. By employing loaded language to indicate the dire consequences for the social parasites. By using a mixture of descriptive and sequential text structure to demonstrate the interconnected nature of the ants, butterflies, and oregano plants. By using a mixture of descriptive and sequential text structure to demonstrate the inte

Answer 1

The author effectively communicates the interactions in the passage by using a mixture of descriptive and sequential text structure to demonstrate the interconnected nature of the ants, butterflies, and oregano plants. This approach allows readers to understand how the oregano plant employs chemical warfare against the invading ants and how it subsequently attracts butterflies to assist it, highlighting the complexity and uniqueness of this ecological relationship.