Question

Farmers want to release a non-native insect in the fields that feeds on weeds. Before they do this, they consult a team of scientists and ask them to conduct a study that will determine the insects' effects on the farm land. Which statement best describes why farmers need the information from this study?
A. Farmers do not know much about insects; they would need to consult a team of scientists to answer questions such as where to get the insects, how to release them, and how to maintain control of the insect population after release.

B. It is important to do this study so that farmers will understand all the positive and possible negative results of releasing this new insect into the area so that they can make a decision on whether or not the benefits are worth the risks.

C. It is illegal to release new insects into an area. The farmers understand that if the study is conducted and the insects cause unexpected problems, the scientists would be held responsible for any resulting fines or fees.

D. The scientists will be able to tell the farmers if the insects will eat the weeds. Before the farmers spend the money on this project, they want to be assured the results will meet their expectations.

Answer 1

Answer: A. Farmers do not know much about insects; they would need to consult a team of scientists to answer questions such as where to get the insects, how to release them, and how to maintain control of the insect population after release.  

A non-native insect species will be the one which is introduced from different location either through immigration or by human introduction. In the given situation, as the farmers are planning to introduce non-native insects to remove the weeds, the farmers are not agricultural scientists or ecologists who could study the consequences of the introduction of the non-native insect species on the weed or other crops. The insects may either remove the weeds or may not cause any harm to the weeds. These insects may also kill the important crop producing plants.

Therefore, Farmers do not know much about insects; they would need to consult a team of scientists to answer questions such as where to get the insects, how to release them, and how to maintain control of the insect population after release is the correct reason why farmers need the information from this study.

Answer 2

The answer is B. The farmers will need to know what will happen as a result, to determine if it is worth releasing the insect.