Passage: Evolution has endowed caterpillars that feed on corn with a unique ability, they can induce the plant to turn off its defence against insect predators. This helps caterpillars to eat more and grow faster. The agent that causes this effect is the caterpillar's faeces or frass. The find could throw new light on compounds associated with plant response to pathogens like fungi or bacteria.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message conveyed by the passage?
A.Farmers can use caterpillars to feed on weeds in their crop fields/plantations.
B.This finding can help in the development of clinically useful antimicrobial compounds.
C.This finding can help in the development of organic, ecologically sustainable pesticides.✓ Correct
D.Caterpillars can be genetically modified to be predators of the other plant pests.
Explanation
The passage indicates that the discovery throws new light on compounds related to plant response to pathogens. Understanding how plants defend themselves and how that defense can be modulated points toward developing better, natural, ecologically sustainable pesticides. Option (a) is impractical — caterpillars eat crops, not weeds selectively. Option (b) about antimicrobials for clinical use is a stretch. Option (d) about genetically modifying caterpillars is speculative. Option (c) is the most logical, rational and practical agricultural application.
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