A species of malaria-carrying mosquito lives in a forest in which two species of monkey, A and B, coexist. Species A is resistant to malaria, but species B is not. The malaria-carrying mosquito is the chief food for a type of bird in the forest. If all these birds were suddenly eliminated by hunters, which of the following would be an immediate observable consequence?

(B) increased mortality in monkey species B

Explanation:

The following deduction can be made from the question:

Species B is susceptible to malaria The more the population of malaria-carrying mosquito, the more the incidence of malaria in the population of species B A species of bird has been limiting the population of malaria-carrying mosquito by feeding on them. Consequently, this bird species has been indirectly reducing the incidence of malaria in species B

Hence, if all the birds were suddenly eliminated by hunters,

Malaria-carrying mosquito population will thrive in the forest, Incidence of malaria will increase in species B This will consequently lead to increased mortality in monkey species B

The correct option is B.