Question

Insects constitute the largest animal group on earth. About 25-30% of the insect species are known to be herbivores. In spite of such huge herbivore pressure, globally, green plants have persisted. One possible reason for this persistence is

• A. Food preference of insects has tended to change with time.
• B. Herbivore insects have become inefficient feeders of green plants.
• C. Herbivore population has been kept in control by predators.
• D. Decline in reproduction of herbivores with time.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Herbivore population has been kept in control by predators.

Herbivores are the group of animals that derive their nutrients from plants and plants products. With 25-30% of the insect species the largest animal group on earth being herbivorous, the green plants manged to survive. While the green plants have evolved a number of adaptations to survive the impact of herbivores, the population of terrestrial herbivorous arthropods are kept under control by high order predators.