1. Pollination of some plants could be adversely affected.
2. There could be a drastic increase in the fungal infections of some cultivated plants.
3. It could lead to a fall in the population of some species of wasps, spiders and birds.
Select the correct using the code given below:
Explanation
Transfer of pollen grains (shed from the anther) to the stigma of a pistil is termed pollination. Flowering plants have evolved an amazing array of adaptations to achieve pollination. Depending on the source of pollen, pollination is divided into three types, i. e. Autogamy, Geitonogamy and Xenogamy.
Statement 1 is correct: Butterflies are important pollinators for many flowering plants. Plant species particularly those that produce brightly colored, scented flowers with deep nectar tubes are adapted to butterfly pollination. A drastic fall in butterfly populations would result in reduced pollination, affecting plant reproduction and possibly leading to a decline in the population of such plant species.
Statement 2 is incorrect: There is no direct link between butterfly populations and fungal infections in cultivated plants. Fungal infections are influenced by factors like humidity, temperature, plant health, and soil conditions rather than by the presence or absence of butterflies.
Statement 3 is correct: Butterflies form a crucial part of the food chain, serving as prey for birds, wasps, spiders, and other insectivores. Many species of small birds (e.g., flycatch-ers, warblers, bee-eaters) depend on butterflies and their larvae (caterpillars) as a major food source. If butterfly populations decline then predators depending on them may suffer a population decline.
S1 and S3 contains "some" and "Some" = possibility logic, not absolute. If even one species of organism does something, the statement is likely correct. While S2 contains an exaggerated phrase, "Drastic Increase", which is too hard to prove and more probable to be false.