Pollinators - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following are reasons for extinction of many pollinators?

1) Farming methods
2) Pesticides
3) Loss of habitat


a. 1, 2
b. 1, 3
c. 2, 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:

  • Among the reasons are — the way farming has changed so there’s not enough diversity and wild flowers for pollinators to use as food; pesticide use, habitat loss to cities; disease, parasites and pathogens; and global warming.
  • The variety and multiplicity of threats to pollinators and pollination generate risks to people and livelihoods.
  • These risks are largely driven by changes in land cover and agricultural management systems, including pesticide use.
  • But these are problems that can be fixed, and unlike global warming, the solutions don't require countries to agree on global action — they can act locally. The solutions offered mostly involve changing the way land and farming is managed.


2)   Which of the following are vertebrate pollinators?

1) Bats
2) Bees
3) Birds


a. 1, 2
b. 1, 3
c. 2, 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 3

Explanation:

  • Vertebrates have backbone.
  • Vertebrate Pollinators include birds and bats. E.g. humming bird.
  • Vertebrates, mainly bats and birds, but also some non-bat mammals (monkeys, lemurs, possums, rodents) and some reptiles (lizards and snakes) pollinate certain plants.
  • Humans can be pollinators.


3)   Which of the following are invertebrate pollinators?

1) Bees
2) Butterflies
3) Bats


a. 1, 2
b. 1, 3
c. 2, 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 2

Explanation:

  • Invertebrates are a group of animals that have no backbone.
  • Bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, flies, etc. are invertebrate pollinators.
  • World food stocks in danger from decline in pollinator population