Read the given passage and answer the six questions that follow.
Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, birds and bats, are essential for the ecosystem, health and human food security. They facilitate plant reproduction by transferring pollen between flowers, enabling the production of seeds and fruits crucial for plant biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
This mutualistic relationship supports global food production, with approximately 75% of leading food crops relying on animal pollination. Pollinators contribute to the diversity and abundance of flowering plants in natural ecosystems, providing habitat and food resources for various organisms.
Despite their importance, pollinators face significant threats. Habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture and deforestation reduces nesting sites and floral resources. Pesticide exposure, especially insecticides and climate change further endanger pollinator populations by poisoning them and disrupting their behaviour and reproductive patterns.
To safeguard pollinators and ecosystems, concerted action is necessary. This includes protecting and restoring pollinator habitats, adopting pollinator-friendly agricultural practices, reducing pesticide use and raising public awareness about the crucial role of pollinators.
By addressing these challenges, we can ensure the sustainability of ecosystems, biodiversity and food production systems, securing a healthier future for both nature and humanity.
Which of the following is not required to safeguard pollinators and ecosystems?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Using technology to transfer pollen between flowers
The passage lists the actions needed to safeguard pollinators: protecting and restoring their habitats, adopting pollinator-friendly farming, reducing pesticide use and raising public awareness. Using technology to move pollen is not in this list; the passage wants pollinators themselves protected, not replaced.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Protecting and restoring their habitats — Incorrect. True in the passage: this is the first action named in the passage.
Option 2: Adopting pollinator-friendly agricultural practices — Incorrect. True in the passage: the passage names it directly.
Option 4: Reducing pesticide use — Incorrect. True in the passage: the passage names it directly, since pesticides poison pollinators.