Question

Book lice feed on________

a) paper products
b) birds
c) mold
d) droppings

Answer 1

Book lice primarily feed on c) mold. They are attracted to damp environments where mold can grow, like in old books and papers, but they do not actually consume the paper products themselves.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the feeding habits of book lice. Book lice, or psocids, are small insects that are known for feeding on c) mold.

They are commonly found in environments with high humidity where mold can easily grow, such as damp books and papers, which is why they're often associated with paper products.

However, their primary food source is the mold or fungal spores that thrive in these moist conditions, and not the paper itself.

While the provided information details various feeding mechanisms of insects, it's important to note that book lice use their mouthparts to scrape off and consume mold.

Answer 2

Book lice primarily feed on mold. While their name may suggest a connection to books (paper products - option a), they are more commonly associated with consuming fungi and mold found in humid environments. They do not feed on birds (option b) or droppings (option d). Therefore, the correct answer is c) mold.

Step-by-step explanation:

Book lice, also known as psocids, primarily feed on fungi, mold, and other organic matter commonly found in damp environments.

While they are called "book lice," these tiny insects are not parasitic and do not feed on paper products (Option A). They are more commonly associated with consuming microscopic molds and fungi found in humid conditions. Book lice are not known to feed on birds (Option B) or droppings (Option D). Their presence is often an indicator of high humidity levels and the presence of organic matter suitable for their diet in the environment.