How can weather patterns influence forest pest populations?

Weather patterns significantly influence forest pest populations through their effects on life cycles and survival rates. For instance, temperature and humidity can alter the timing of pest life cycles, such as egg hatching, larval development, and adult emergence. Warmer temperatures may lead to earlier hatching or increased reproduction rates, while excessive moisture can create suitable conditions for certain pests to thrive.

Additionally, harsh weather conditions, like extreme cold or drought, can impact pest survival rates. Cold spells may reduce pest populations by causing mortality in overwintering life stages, while drought can stress plant hosts, making them more susceptible to pest damage.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between weather and pest populations. Suggesting that weather patterns do not influence pest populations ignores the well-established connections in ecological studies. Claiming that weather influences only plant growth disregards the interconnected nature of ecosystems, where health and vitality of plants directly correlate with pest dynamics. Additionally, the idea that weather decreases pest competition overlooks the fact that competition among pests can also be influenced by the abundance of food resources and favorable conditions, leading to increased populations under specific weather scenarios.