Use the Figure to Answer the Following Question

question 58

Multiple Choice

Use the figure to answer the following question.

Treehoppers (a type of insect) produce honeydew, which ants use for food. Treehoppers have a major predator, the jumping spider. Researchers hypothesized that the ants would protect the treehoppers from the spiders. In an experiment, researchers followed study plots with ants removed from the system and compared them to a control plot. From the figure, what can you conclude?

• A) Ants do somehow protect the treehoppers from spiders.
• B) Ants eat the honeydew produced by treehoppers.
• C) Ants reduce the numbers of treehoppers.
• D) No specific conclusions can be drawn from this figure.

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Definitions:

Prosecuting Attorney

A legal official who represents the government in criminal proceedings, charging and trying cases against defendants.

County Attorney

A legal officer representing a county in civil litigations and serving as the legal advisor to county officials, often involved in prosecuting crimes at the local level.

Arson

The willful and malicious burning of a building (and, in some states, personal property) owned by another. Arson statutes have been extended to cover the destruction of any building, regardless of ownership, by fire or explosion.

Convicted

The act of being declared guilty of a crime by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in a court of law.