Scenario Corn Crops Are Susceptible to Damage by Different Species of of Corn

question 6

Multiple Choice

Scenario
Corn crops are susceptible to damage by different species of corn borer, an insect (a type of arthropod) that feeds and lives on corn plants. It is estimated that corn borers may cause up to $1 billion of damage a year to corn crops. Because of pests like the corn borer, researchers have created genetically modified pest-resistant crops. One type of pest-resistant crop, Bt corn, expresses a bacterial toxin that kills corn borers if they consume the toxin. While Bt corn has been planted and used in the United States since 1996, some researchers and members of the public continue to worry about negative effects of the Bt toxin on other animals, including arthropods and humans. In order to investigate the effects of Bt toxins on other animals, researchers conducted experiments where they fed arthropods Bt corn or non-Bt corn. A summary of the effects of eating Bt corn on single species of corn borer, mite, and beetle are shown in the figure below.
-What can you conclude from the data in the graph?

• A)Corn borers are less likely to survive if they eat Bt corn compared to non-Bt corn.
• B)Mites have the highest percent mortality of the arthropods studied.
• C)Beetles are more likely to survive than mites when fed Bt corn.
• D)Bt corn affects the mortality of all three arthropods equally.

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Definitions:

Subordinate Males

Male individuals in animal societies who hold a lower rank and have fewer privileges than dominant males.

Sexual Dimorphism

The phenomenon where two sexes of the same species exhibit different characteristics beyond the differences in their sexual organs.

Body Form

The physical structure and appearance of an organism.

Parenting Duties

Parenting duties are the responsibilities and activities involved in raising a child, including providing physical care, emotional support, and education.