Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Many viral diseases are transmitted by insect vectors.
Statement II: Few insects transmit bacterial diseases.
In the light of above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

Insect-vectored diseases:
- Many viruses (aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers).
- Few bacteria (cucumber beetles transmit Erwinia tracheiphila).
- Phytoplasmas and spiroplasmas are also insect-vectored.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests knowledge of disease transmission by insect vectors.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I:
Many viral diseases are transmitted by insect vectors.
Examples: Aphids transmit many plant viruses (e.g., CMV, PVY).
Leafhoppers, whiteflies, and thrips also transmit viruses.
This statement is true.
Statement II:
Few insects transmit bacterial diseases.
Some bacterial diseases are transmitted by insects.
Examples:
- Cucumber wilt (caused by Erwinia tracheiphila) is transmitted by cucumber beetles.
- Fire blight (caused by Erwinia amylovora) can be transmitted by insects.
However, compared to viruses, only a few bacteria are insect-vectored.
This statement is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, both statements are true, which corresponds to option (A).
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