Question

Match List-I with List-II:

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A)-(III), (B)-(II), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I)
• B. (A)-(IV), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(I)
• C. (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)
• D. (A)-(I), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)

Hint:

Biocontrol pairs to remember:
$\bullet$ Ladybird beetle $\rightarrow$ Aphids
$\bullet$ Dragonflies $\rightarrow$ Mosquitoes
$\bullet$ Bacillus thuringiensis $\rightarrow$ Butterfly caterpillars
$\bullet$ Trichoderma $\rightarrow$ Root-borne fungal plant pathogens

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Biocontrol refers to the use of natural predators, parasites, or biological agents to control plant diseases and agricultural pests without relying on synthetic chemicals.

Step 1: Identifying the Target Organism for Each Biocontrol Agent:
1. Ladybird: A familiar beetle with red and black markings that preys on and controls populations of aphids. Thus, (A) matches with (II).
2. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): A bacterium whose spores produce insecticidal Cry proteins that kill insect larvae such as butterfly caterpillars. Thus, (B) matches with (IV).
3. Dragonflies: Aerial predatory insects that feed on and control populations of mosquitoes. Thus, (C) matches with (I).
4. Trichoderma: A free-living, soil-dwelling fungus found in root ecosystems that acts as an effective biocontrol agent against several plant pathogens. Thus, (D) matches with (III).

Step 2: Compilation of Pairs:
Matching set:
(A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III).
This corresponds directly to Option (C).