There are often low levels of herbicides in agricultural soils and on the leaves and flowers of orchard trees.They are meant to kill weeds rather than insects, and levels are very low, but they may cause physiological changes in insect pollinators, making them weaker, with lower reproductive rates, and less effective at pollinating.These effects suggest that pesticides in orchards act as a _______ to pollinators.
A) disturbance
B) stress
C) disease
D) competitor
E) stimulant

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of herbicides in agricultural soils and on orchard trees can have negative effects on the physiological condition of insect pollinators, resulting in weaker individuals with lower reproductive rates and reduced capacity for pollination. These effects suggest that pesticides act as a stressor to pollinators, interfering with their ability to perform essential ecological functions.

There Are Often Low Levels of Herbicides in Agricultural Soils