Question

A group of researchers has made the claim that one particular butterfly species is the sole pollinator of a tree species and that consequently, the decline of the butterfly population will endanger the survival of the tree species. Data were collected and are summarized below. Which of the following data could best be used to either justify or refute the claim the researchers have made about the interdependence of the butterfly species and the trees?

Tree flower size Number of butterfly visits per flower per day Nectar energy per pollination visit (joules) Fruits per flower
Small 1 10 0.88
Medium 9 12 0.79
Large 55 13 0.85

a. The data comparing the fruits produced per flower with the number of butterfly visits are most useful in refuting the claim, because they show that the tree produces fruit even if the butterfly does not visit the flowers.
b. The data collected for large flowers are most useful in justifying the claim, because they show that a large number of butterflies visit flowers of this tree species, obtain energy from nectar, and cause fruit production.
c. The data comparing the number of butterfly visits with the size of the tree flowers are most useful in refuting the claim, because they show that the butterfly does not visit all types of tree flowers.
d. The data showing the nectar energy available for all sizes of flowers are most useful in justifying the claim, because they show that butterflies benefit from the relationship with the tree by obtaining energy from tree nectar.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - A. The data comparing the fruits produced per flower with the number of butterfly visits are most useful in refuting the claim, because they show that the tree produces fruit even if the butterfly does not visit the flowers.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this experiment, the table shows that specific butterflies did not go to small flower trees or go once a day where is in medium and large flower trees respectively they visit more than small flowers.

Even after not visiting small flower trees the nectar energy and the fruit production is almost similar to the other two trees. This case can occur only in one case if there are one or more pollinators present in this scenario other than this type of specific butterflies.

Thus, the correct answer is - option A.