What is a likely consequence of pollinator decline for agriculture?

What is a likely consequence of pollinator decline for agriculture?

• A. Increased crop yields
• B. No effect on agriculture
• C. Decreased crop yields
• D. Pollinator decline only affects ornamental plants

Answer: (C)

Pollination is essential for fertilizing many flowering crops that produce fruits and seeds. When pollinator populations decline, the rate at which flowers receive pollen drops, so fewer flowers develop into fruits or seeds. This leads to lower crop yields for crops that rely on animals to move pollen between flowers. The impact is especially strong for fruits, nuts, and many vegetables, while crops that are wind-pollinated or self-pollinating may be less affected. So, the likely consequence for agriculture is decreased crop yields. It’s not a scenario where yields rise, and it’s not limited to ornamental plants—many food crops depend on pollinators.

Pollination is essential for fertilizing many flowering crops that produce fruits and seeds. When pollinator populations decline, the rate at which flowers receive pollen drops, so fewer flowers develop into fruits or seeds. This leads to lower crop yields for crops that rely on animals to move pollen between flowers. The impact is especially strong for fruits, nuts, and many vegetables, while crops that are wind-pollinated or self-pollinating may be less affected. So, the likely consequence for agriculture is decreased crop yields. It’s not a scenario where yields rise, and it’s not limited to ornamental plants—many food crops depend on pollinators.