Read the following statements regarding predation and plant-herbivore interactions: (A) Nearly 25 per cent of all insects are known to be phytophagous. (B) Thorns in Acacia and Cactus are morphological means of defense. (C) Calotropis produces highly poisonous cardiac glycosides to deter grazing. (D) Herbivores are not considered predators in a broad ecological context. (E) Predators decrease species diversity in a c

Step-by-step solution

Statement (A) is correct: Nearly 25 per cent of all insects are phytophagous (feeding on plant sap and other parts). Statement (B) is correct: Thorns in Acacia and Cactus are the most common morphological means of defense against herbivores. Statement (C) is correct: The weed Calotropis growing in abandoned fields produces highly poisonous cardiac glycosides, which is why cattle or goats never browse on this plant. Statement (D) is incorrect: In a broad ecological context, herbivores are considered predators as the