Pyrrhocoris Apterus, or Firebug, Is Native to Europe and China

question 126

Multiple Choice

Pyrrhocoris apterus, or firebug, is native to Europe and China, and eats the seeds of lime trees and mallow trees. What is the MOST likely explanation for the fact that a native North American species, the fir tree, synthesizes a compound that disrupts development of this European insect?

• A)The fir tree benefits from this compound because its effect on the firebug decreases competition for resources in its natural environment.
• B)The fir tree benefits from this compound because its effect on the firebug increases the survival of fir tree offspring.
• C)The fir tree benefits from this compound because its effect on the firebug increases predation pressure on its competition.
• D)The fir tree benefits from this compound because its effect on the firebug increases the survival of other, related members of the same species.
• E)There is likely a strong similarity in the hormone receptors of different insects, so that a compound made by a tree native to North America has an effect on an insect native to Europe.

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