Answer :
When destructive garden insects infest a pumpkin patch, this situation is an example of **C environmental stress**. Environmental stress refers to external factors that can negatively impact an organism's health or well-being. In this case, the insects are causing harm to the pumpkin plants, which is a form of stress on the environment in which they are growing.
Environmental stress can include various factors such as extreme temperatures, pollution, lack of nutrients, and in this case, insect infestation. The presence of destructive garden insects disrupts the balance within the pumpkin patch environment, affecting the growth and development of the plants.
To address this issue, farmers or gardeners may need to take measures to control the insect population, such as using natural predators, pesticides, or other methods to protect the pumpkin plants from further damage.
In summary, the infestation of destructive garden insects in a pumpkin patch exemplifies environmental stress as it negatively impacts the plants' growth and well-being, requiring intervention to mitigate the damage caused by the insects.