Question

neonicotinoids are a type of chemical added to crops to keep insects and other animals from chewing on their leaves. this chemical is often absorbed into the seeds.
which two answers best indicate how seeds with neonicotinoids can affect other plant or animal populations?

a competition for space increases for herbivore populations

b available food sources decrease for herbivore populations

c sunlight availability decreases for other plant populations

d exposure to wind and rain increases for animal populations that used the crops for protection

e available food sources decrease for consumers that eat the animals that eat leaves and seeds

Explanation:

• Option B: Neonicotinoids in seeds target herbivores that eat plant parts like seeds, so these toxic seeds reduce safe food for herbivore populations.
• Option E: If herbivores (that eat seeds/leaves) decline due to neonicotinoid poisoning, their predators (higher consumers) lose a key food source, decreasing their available food.

Other options are incorrect: A is unrelated to neonicotinoid toxicity; C and D do not link to the chemical's effect on food webs.

Answer:

B. available food sources decrease for herbivore populations
E. available food sources decrease for consumers that eat the animals that eat leaves and seeds