[Campbell Biology P.762] Based on the provided text, which of the following statements about... | Practice Question

Based on the provided text, which of the following statements about the impact of insects is FALSE?

  • A: Insects play key ecological roles as predators, parasites, and decomposers.
  • B: Insect populations have generally decreased over time due to pesticide use, making resistance rare.
  • C: Insects are carriers for serious diseases, including African sleeping sickness and malaria.
  • D: In many parts of the world, humans eat insects as an important source of protein.

Explanation

The text states: 'But insect populations often evolve pesticide resistance after short periods of time. Try as we may, not even humans have challenged the preeminence of insects and their arthropod kin. As one prominent entomologist put it: “Bugs are not going to inherit the Earth. They own it now. So we might as well make peace with the landlord.”' This contradicts the idea that resistance is rare or that populations have generally decreased to a non-prevalent state.