Complex interdependence in environment

21) Due to some reasons, if there is a huge fall in the population of species of butterflies, what could be its likely consequence/consequences?

1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution: C

Statement 1: Bees and butterflies are the most productive pollinators. These insects move from one flower to another and carry out pollination as they go. They play the most important role in the production of crops for both human beings and animals. 

Statement 2: This is an illogical and absurd statement. 

Statement 3: Wasps, ants, parasitic flies, birds, snakes, toads, rats etc are some of the common predators of butterfly. The decline in butterfly population would therefore adversely affect the food chain to a great extent. Well, No food, No life.