What are the two major groups of internal feeders that affect plants?

The correct choice is based on the classification of pests that damage plant tissues from the inside. Internal feeders are organisms that bore into plants, causing damage by feeding on the plant tissues from within.

Borers are a significant group of internal feeders that include larvae of various insects which tunnel into stems, branches, or roots of plants, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water and potentially leading to the death of the plant. Bark beetles also fall into this category as they bore into the bark, which can be detrimental to the health of the tree and may lead to the spread of diseases.

In contrast, the other choices include pests that either do not primarily feed internally or affect plants in different ways. For example, while leaf miners feed on the internal layers of leaves, they are specifically focused on foliage rather than the structural components of the plant. Slugs typically feed externally on leaves and stems, and aphids feed on plant sap, which does not involve boring into the plant’s structure. Thus, the identification of borers and bark beetles as internal feeders highlights their significant impact on plant health and helps in understanding pest management strategies for protecting plants.