Question

Which of the following statements about the interactions between insects and trees is not true? a. For some species of trees, insects are required for pollination. b. Trees provide necessary shelter for a variety of insect species. c. Insects have predatory relationships with trees, rather than mutually beneficial ones. d. Insects can cause loss of tree productivity and even death. Please select the best answer from the choices provided A B C D

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is- C) Insects have predatory relationships with trees, rather than mutually beneficial ones.

Trees can provide a habitat ( an area where other organisms can live) for insects as well as other organisms ( such as plants).

In certain cases, the insects can have negative impact on the tree health ( as they can cause damage by boring into different parts of the tree).

In some cases, the tree could be unaffected as well as could be mutually benefited by Insects. Some trees species are dependent on insects for the purpose of pollination.

Thus, option C) is not true about the interaction of trees and insect species.

Answer 2

Answer: c. Insects have predatory relationships with trees, rather than mutually beneficial ones.

Predation refers to the killing of one organism by another organism in order to obtain food. Mutalism is a relationship between the two living species which lives in close association, in this relationship both the species receives the benefit.

The insects although usually show predatory relationship with the trees and they feed on the leaves, barks and fruits of the trees, they lay their eggs on the barks, leaves, flowers and fruits of the trees. The overall life cycle of insects is dependent on the trees. But the insects may also live in the mutalistic relationship with the trees. In return of the favors insects receive from the trees the insects helps in seed dispersal, this allows the germination of new plants, therefore, colonies of a particular species of trees develop in the region. The insects colonize on the internal as well as on the external surface of the trees and hence, provide them protection against the grazing herbivores animals. Butterflies, bees and other insects sucks the nectar from the flowers of the trees and pick up the pollen and causes pollination, which facilitates in fertilization and reproduction in flowers.

On the basis of the above information, the statement insects have predatory relationships with trees, rather than mutually beneficial ones is false.