Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

What role do pollinators like bees and butterflies play in agriculture?

1. They harm crop yields

2. They facilitate the reproduction of many plants

3. They are irrelevant to plant health

4. They only affect weeds

The correct answer is: They facilitate the reproduction of many plants

Pollinators such as bees and butterflies play a crucial role in agriculture by facilitating the reproduction of many plants. Their activities contribute significantly to the process of pollination, which is essential for the fertilization of flowering plants. When pollinators visit flowers to collect nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, enabling plants to produce fruits and seeds. This process not only enhances crop yields but is also vital for maintaining biodiversity in ecosystems. The importance of pollinators goes beyond just agricultural crops; they support the health of entire ecosystems by enabling the growth of a wide variety of plants. This, in turn, supports other wildlife and helps maintain ecological balance. Understanding the vital role that these creatures play can help in developing best practices for agricultural management that supports both productivity and environmental health.