Question

At Wog Wog, the abundance of beetles that are fungivores increased in fragments because there was an increase in woody debris that fungi decompose. The changes in the abundance in these beetle groups are due to:

Answer 1

The increase in beetle abundance at Wog Wog is due to the increase in woody debris that fungi decompose, providing an ample food source for the beetles. Similar ecological relationships between beetles and fungi are observed elsewhere, exemplified by the use of Beauveria bassiana fungus to control emerald ash borer populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The changes in the abundance of beetles that are fungivores at Wog Wog can be attributed to specific ecological factors. One of these is the increase in woody debris which fungi decompose. Fungi play a crucial role as decomposers in the ecosystem, breaking down organic materials into nutrients that the beetles can utilize. They also affect the population of beetles, since some species can control the population of damaging pests like beetles.

So, in this instance, the increase in debris provides more nutrient-rich food sources for the fungi, which in turn allows beetle populations to grow because of the increase in their food source availability. Similar situations can be found elsewhere, such as the use of the fungus Beauveria bassiana to control the population of emerald ash borers, a type of beetle.

Learn more about Ecological Relationships