Insects in ecosystems

Question 1

Maya is writing a list of three different ways insects help the environment. Which of the following sets correctly names three ecological roles that insects perform?

Accepted Answer

Pollinating flowers, breaking down dead organic matter, and providing food for birds and frogs

Answer

Making soil, producing oxygen, and controlling weeds

Answer

Eating plant roots, building nests for mammals, and spreading seeds

Answer

Filtering water, creating rock layers, and carrying disease

Question 2

Imagine that every honeybee in a countryside region suddenly disappears. Which statement best describes how this loss would change the meadow plants, the animals that depend on those plants, and the people who rely on the meadow’s food?

Accepted Answer

Many flowering plants that need insects to move their pollen would make far fewer seeds and fruits, so herbivores such as rabbits would have less to eat and the harvest for people would shrink, causing a drop in both animal and human food supplies.

Answer

Wind would take over pollinating all the plants, so the amount of seeds and fruits would stay the same and animals and people would notice no difference.

Answer

Only honey production would stop, but all other crops would grow normally, so animals and people would still have the same food available.

Answer

Without bees, the flowers would lose their bright colors but would still set seed, so the amount of food for animals and humans would not be affected.

Question 3

Sam is making a list of jobs that insects do in the town park. Which answer lists three different jobs that insects actually perform?

Accepted Answer

helping plants make seeds by carrying pollen, breaking down dead leaves, and serving as food for birds

Answer

stealing honey from beehives, chewing on park benches, and making loud noises at night

Answer

building nests in tree branches, cleaning the pond water, and teaching kids about science

Answer

digging tunnels for other animals, painting park signs, and moving rocks

Try three questions

Maya is writing a list of three different ways insects help the environment. Which of the following sets correctly names three ecological roles that insects perform?

Imagine that every honeybee in a countryside region suddenly disappears. Which statement best describes how this loss would change the meadow plants, the animals that depend on those plants, and the people who rely on the meadow’s food?

Sam is making a list of jobs that insects do in the town park. Which answer lists three different jobs that insects actually perform?

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