Question

Plant W is the only source of food for the caterpillars of a butterfly species. W depends on the adult butterflies of species X for pollination. X is the only pollinator of W. Animal Y feeds only on X. Y is eaten by animal Z. What will happen if animal Z becomes extinct-
a) Population of W and Y will increase
b) The population of animals X and Y will increase and population of plant Q will decrease
c) Population of animal Y will increase but population of X will decrease and this will also affect the population of W
d) Both A and C are correct.

Answer 1

Explanation:

(This is not Assuming that the Caterpillars are of Species X)

X pollinates W

Y eats X

Z eats Y

(-) = Decreaser

(+) = Increaser

Z (-) --> Y (-) --> X (+) --> W(High)

Now Z is extinct,

Y(-) --> X (+) --> W(Low)

now since Y can run rampant, it can lower the population of X, and since it's the only one to pollinate W

High Y = Low X = Low W

So,

The Answer is C(Assuming you meant plant W not Q)