Consider a Simple Food Web Consisting of Plants, Aphids, Ants

question 33

Short Answer

Consider a simple food web consisting of plants, aphids, ants, and ladybird beetles. Aphids are herbivores that consume the plants, and ladybird beetles are a predator that eats aphids. The ants obtain nutritious honeydew from the aphids, and in return the ants protect the aphids from predatory insects. What is likely to happen to the ladybird beetles, aphids, and plants if the ants go extinct?

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Definitions:

Appendix

A small, tube-like organ attached to the large intestine but has no known essential function in humans, famous for its potential to become inflamed (appendicitis).

Lactose Intolerance

A condition where individuals cannot digest lactose properly, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms upon consuming dairy products.

Lactase Activity

The function of the enzyme lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, into simpler sugars that can be absorbed by the body.

Ethnic Group

A community or population made up of people who share a common cultural background or descent.