Question

The Canby’s dropwort grows in wetlands in Georgia. It is an endangered plant because wetlands have been cleared for agriculture and construction. The larvae of the black swallowtail butterfly eat this plant. What would MOST LIKELY happen to the black swallowtail butterfly if these plants continue to decrease

Answer 1

Answer

The population of black swallowtail butterfly will decrease when the Canby’s dropwort plants coverage decreases

Explanation

The larvae of the black swallowtail butterfly thrive well when there is enough numbers of Canby’s dropwort because the larva feeds on the plant. A decrease in Canby’s dropwort plant due to clearance for agriculture and construction will reduce the number/coverage of the Canby’s dropwort which will directly reduce the number of black swallowtail butterfly because their larvae feed on the plant for survival.

Answer 2

Their population will either decrease or they will be forced to migrate. They may also undergo adaptive radiation to adapt to new food sources or environments.