Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In biological pest control, beneficial insects are broadly categorized into predators and parasitoids.
Understanding their biological habits, host interactions, and life cycles is essential for implementing successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements individually:
- Statement (I) is true: A parasitoid is an insect whose larval stage develops inside or on a single host, slowly consuming its tissues and eventually killing it before emerging as a free-living adult.
Parasitoids are typically of a similar body size to their host.
Examples include trichogramma wasps and braconid wasps.
- Statement (II) is true: Predators are free-living organisms that capture, kill, and consume multiple prey individuals throughout their life cycle.
Predators are typically larger and stronger than their prey.
Examples include ladybird beetles, lacewings, and hoverflies.
- Since both definitions are biologically accurate, both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
This corresponds to Option (A).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.