Problem 114 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Which of the following is a gregarious pest? (a) Laccifer (b) Locusta (c) King crab (d) Both (a) and (b)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The gregarious pest among the given options is (b) Locusta.

Step 1: Define the terms

In taxonomy, 'Laccifer' is a genus from the family Coccidae, and 'Locusta' is a genus from family Acrididae commonly known as locusts. A 'King crab' refers to a group of crab-like decapod crustaceans chiefly found in cold seas. 'Gregarious pests' are pests that live in groups and cause damage on a large scale due to their group behavior.

Step 2: Identify the gregarious pest

Among the options, Locusta or locusts are known for their gregarious behavior. They swarm in billions and cause a severe threat to agricultural crops.

Step 3: Check remaining options

Though Laccifer is a pest, they are not gregarious. King crabs are not considered pests. The option 'Both (a) and (b)' is incorrect since Laccifer is not gregarious.

Key Concepts

Gregarious Pests

Gregarious pests are those that live and operate in large groups, causing widespread damage due to their collective behavior. This gregarious behavior is typically seen in certain species of insects and animals, which work together to exploit resources such as crops. This group behavior can lead to significant agricultural damage if not managed carefully.

• These pests usually migrate in swarms, thereby affecting vast areas in a short time.
• Management and control of these pests require coordinated actions due to their large numbers and rapid movement.

Understanding this concept is crucial for effective pest management strategies.

Locusta

Locusta, commonly known as locusts, are insects from the family Acrididae. They are infamous for their destructive swarming behavior, making them a prime example of gregarious pests.

• Locusts are usually solitary but can rapidly change their behavior when the population density increases, forming massive, mobile swarms.
• These swarms can travel great distances and devastate crops by eating everything in their path, posing a severe threat to agriculture.

Due to their potential for destruction, locust monitoring and management are critical in regions prone to infestations.

Agricultural Crops

Agricultural crops refer to the plants cultivated for the consumption and use of humans and animals. These crops are essential for food supply, economic stability, and raw materials for various industries. However, they are often targeted by pests like locusts, which can lead to significant losses.

• Protecting crops from pests like locusts is integral to ensuring food security.
• Various methods including chemical, biological, and mechanical approaches are used to safeguard agricultural yields.

Effective pest management strategies can greatly mitigate the threats posed by gregarious pests.

Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the scientific classification of living organisms into groups based on shared characteristics. It helps in understanding the ecological relationships and behaviors of various species. For example, Locusta belong to the family Acrididae, which is categorically different from Laccifer from the family Coccidae.

• Taxonomic classification provides insight into the evolutionary relationships between organisms.
• It aids researchers in developing targeted pest management strategies by understanding species-specific behaviors.

Grasping the basics of taxonomy is essential for efficiently managing species interactions and ecosystems.