Correct Option
The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Vultures are ecological scavengers that play a critical role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion (the decaying flesh of dead animals). They are often referred to as nature’s "clean-up crew" or "sanitary workers."
Option Analysis
- Option (a) is Incorrect: Vultures do not primarily feed on insects. Insect control is typically performed by insectivorous birds such as swallows, warblers, or drongos.
- Option (b) is Correct: Vultures feed on dead livestock and wildlife. By rapidly consuming carcasses, they prevent the accumulation of rotting flesh, which otherwise becomes a breeding ground for pathogens and bacteria (such as anthrax and botulism). This scavenging activity prevents the spread of diseases to humans and other animals.
- Option (c) is Incorrect: The decomposition of fallen leaves and organic plant matter is the function of detritivores and decomposers, such as earthworms, fungi, and bacteria, not avian scavengers.
- Option (d) is Incorrect: Vultures are not active hunters of live prey like rodents. Unlike eagles or hawks, they are adapted to locate and consume animals that are already dead.
Key Takeaway
Vultures are vital to environmental health because they are obligate scavengers that dispose of dead carcasses, thereby preventing the spread of infectious diseases and maintaining ecosystem hygiene.