Fly larvae consume the body of a dead rabbit. In this activity, they function as _____________. If they consume the feces of the dead rabbit, they are also functioning as ______________.

Question

Fly larvae consume the body of a dead rabbit.  In this activity, they function as _____________.  If they consume the feces of the dead rabbit, they are also functioning as ______________.

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question describes fly larvae feeding on two different substrates: a dead rabbit's body and, in another scenario, the rabbit’s feces. First, restating the options helps anchor the discussion:
- scavengers, detritivores
- vampires, zombies
- producers, parasites
- herbivores, carnivores

To evaluate option 1, consider the ecological roles: scavengers are organisms that consume dead animals or carrion, which fits the larvae feeding on a dead rabbit’s body. Detritivores are organisms that ingest detritus—dead and decaying organic matter—which can include animal remains and feces; many detritivores help break down carrion and related material. Since fly larvae can function in both capacities depending on what they eat, the pairing “scavengers, detritivores” correctly captures both scenarios described in the prompt.

Option 2, vampires, zombies, is fictional and has no basis in ecology or biology for real organisms.

Option 3, producers, parasites, is incorrect because fly larvae do not produce energy via photosynthesis (producers) and they are not parasitic in this context; they contribute to decomposition rather than living off a host.

Option 4, herbivores, carnivores, is inconsistent with the dietary habits described. Herbivores feed on plants, while carnivores feed on other animals; neither category appropriately characterizes scavenging or detritivory on detrital material.

Additionally, the feces of the dead rabbit are organic detritus, so a detritivore role is appropriate when larvae consume feces, aligning with the second part of the prompt.

In summary, the correct interpretation is that fly larvae functioning on carrion are acting as scavengers, and when consuming detritus such as feces, as detritivores. The other options introduce inaccuracies about feeding behavior that do not match the described activities.

Biology 2 - Ecology (Adv) Final Exam June 2025

Fly larvae consume the body of a dead rabbit. In this activity, they function as _. If they consume the feces of the dead rabbit, they are also functioning as __.

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