The monarch butterfly is highly distasteful to its predator because

Options

A. a special chemical is present in its body
B. Cardiac glycosides is stored in its body
C. it feeds on poisonous weed
D. both a and b

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks why the monarch butterfly is highly distasteful to its predators. We need to identify the reason behind this distastefulness.

2. **Identifying the Chemical**: The first point to consider is that the monarch butterfly contains a special chemical in its body. This chemical is acquired during its larval stage when it feeds on milkweed leaves.

3. **Role of Cardiac Glycosides**: The second point is that the monarch butterfly stores cardiac glycosides in its body. These compounds are toxic and make the butterfly distasteful to predators, particularly birds.

4. **Evaluating Other Options**: The third option mentions that the butterfly feeds on a poisonous weed. This statement is incorrect because while the butterfly does feed on milkweed, it is not classified as a weed in the context of this question.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question is that the monarch butterfly is distasteful to its predators because it contains special chemicals (cardiac glycosides) that it acquires from the milkweed it consumes during its caterpillar stage. Therefore, the best answer is option 4, which states that both A and B are correct.

### Final Answer:
The monarch butterfly is highly distasteful to its predator because it contains special chemicals (cardiac glycosides) acquired from feeding on milkweed leaves during its caterpillar stage.

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