Question

A species of malaria-carrying mosquito lives in a forest in which two species of monkey, A and B, coexist. Species A is resistant to malaria, but species B is not. The malaria-carrying mosquito is the chief food for a type of bird in the forest. If all these birds were suddenly eliminated by hunters, which of the following would be an immediate observable consequence?

Answer 1

(B) increased mortality in monkey species B

Step-by-step explanation:

The following deduction can be made from the question:

• Species B is susceptible to malaria
• The more the population of malaria-carrying mosquito, the more the incidence of malaria in the population of species B

• A species of bird has been limiting the population of malaria-carrying mosquito by feeding on them. Consequently, this bird species has been indirectly reducing the incidence of malaria in species B

Hence, if all the birds were suddenly eliminated by hunters,

• Malaria-carrying mosquito population will thrive in the forest,
• Incidence of malaria will increase in species B
• This will consequently lead to increased mortality in monkey species B

The correct option is B.