A team of scientists proposes that recent declines in pollinator populations are linked specifically to neonicotinoid pesticides, rather than to habitat loss or disease.
Which finding, if true, would most strongly support the scientists' proposal?
- A
Some pollinator species are more vulnerable than others.
- Bcheck_circle
In an experiment using identical hives, bees exposed to neonicotinoids showed significantly poorer survival and foraging success than control bees, even when habitat and disease were held constant.
- C
Many crops depend on pollinators for fruit production.
- D
Pollinator populations have been declining for several decades.
Explanation
A holds habitat and disease constant and isolates pesticide exposure, directly supporting the targeted-cause proposal. B, C, and D are background.