A Group of Scientists Are Studying the Genes in a Cabbage

A group of scientists are studying the genes in a cabbage plant to determine if they can manipulate it to grow faster. In addition, they have inserted a gene containing a pesticide into the plant's DNA to reduce herbivory by pest insects. The scientists use a virus to insert the new DNA into the cabbage plant's DNA. The insect pests would be considered __________.

A) primary producers
B) primary consumers
C) secondary consumers
D) tertiary consumers