What was the impact of the boll weevil?
a
The boll weevil helped pollinate cotton crops, causing them to grow.
b
The boll weevil led to the success of the textile industry.
c
The boll weevil ate cotton buds, destroying thousands of cotton crops and causing the textile industry to suffer.
d
The boll weevil carried disease and made many people ill.
1 answer
The correct answer is (c) The boll weevil ate cotton buds, destroying thousands of cotton crops and causing the textile industry to suffer. The boll weevil is an insect that feeds on cotton buds and flowers. In the early 20th century, it devastated cotton crops in the southeastern United States, leading to significant economic losses for farmers and the textile industry. The impact was so severe that it led to the diversification of southern agriculture, paving the way for the growth of other crops like soybeans and peanuts.