What would be the most likely effect of removing the blue tit from the Phragmites australis ecosystem?
A) An increase in the populations of Aprostocetus gratus and Platygaster cf. quadrifarius and a decrease in the number of small Giraudiella inclusa gall clusters
B) An increase in the populations of Aprostocetus orithyia, Eudecatoma stagnalis, Eurytoma crassinervis, and Platygaster szelenyii and a decrease in the number of small and large Giraudiella inclusa gall clusters
C) A decrease in the populations of Aprostocetus calamarius and Torymus arundinis and a decrease in the number of large Giraudiella inclusa gall clusters
D) An increase in the populations of Aprostocetus calamarius and Torymus arundinis and an increase in the number of large Giraudiella inclusa gall clusters

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blue tits are known to feed on various insects, including those that might be considered pests or part of complex food webs. Removing blue tits from an ecosystem could lead to an increase in the populations of insects they prey on, such as Aprostocetus calamarius and Torymus arundinis, because of reduced predation pressure. Additionally, if these insects are involved in the formation of Giraudiella inclusa galls, their increased numbers could lead to more galls being formed, hence an increase in the number of large Giraudiella inclusa gall clusters.

What Would Be the Most Likely Effect of Removing the Blue