the pine borer beetle is a parasite to the pine tree. what would most likely happen to the pine tree…
the pine borer beetle is a parasite to the pine tree. what would most likely happen to the pine tree population if the beetle population decreased? \n decrease \n increase \n become extinct \n stay the same
Answer
Brief Explanations:
The pine borer beetle is a parasite of the pine tree, meaning it harms the pine tree (e.g., by damaging it, affecting its growth/survival). If the beetle population decreases, there is less harm inflicted on the pine trees. With fewer parasites, the pine trees would face less negative impact, so their population is likely to increase as more trees can survive and reproduce without the high level of parasitism. "Decrease" is incorrect because less parasite damage should help the population, not hurt it. "Become extinct" is wrong as a decrease in parasites (which harm the trees) would not lead to extinction; rather, it would help the trees. "Stay the same" is incorrect because a change in the parasite population (a factor affecting the pine trees) should cause a change in the pine tree population, and the reduction in parasites is beneficial, so the population should increase, not stay static.