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The Insect Societies by E. O. Wilson
Contributed by: Miah
  • 1. In 'The Insect Societies', renowned biologist E. O. Wilson presents a comprehensive exploration of the complex social structures and behaviors exhibited by various insect species. This seminal work delves into the intricacies of eusociality, a term that describes the highly organized social systems found in some insects, such as ants, bees, and termites. Wilson meticulously examines how these creatures exhibit remarkable cooperation, division of labor, and communication, which are essential for the survival and efficiency of their colonies. Using a blend of biological research, field studies, and captivating anecdotes, Wilson highlights the evolutionary significance of these social behaviors and their implications for understanding the dynamics of life on Earth. He emphasizes the interplay between genetics and ecology in shaping social systems and discusses the parallels between insect societies and human social structures, prompting readers to contemplate the fundamental principles that govern social behavior across species. The book not only serves as an academic text filled with scientific insights but also as a profound reflection on the nature of cooperation and the foundations of social organization in both the natural world and humanity.

    What is the primary focus of E.O. Wilson's book 'The Insect Societies'?
A) The agricultural impact of pest insects.
B) The organization and behavior of social insects.
C) The genetic diversity of all insect species.
D) The evolutionary history of solitary insects.
  • 2. According to Wilson, which insect order is considered the most socially advanced?
A) Diptera (flies).
B) Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths).
C) Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps).
D) Coleoptera (beetles).
  • 3. What is haplodiploidy?
A) A caste system where workers are all the same size.
B) A sex-determination system where males develop from unfertilized haploid eggs and females from fertilized diploid eggs.
C) A type of symbiotic relationship between two insect species.
D) A defensive mechanism involving chemical sprays.
  • 4. How does haplodiploidy potentially contribute to the evolution of sociality in Hymenoptera?
A) It allows for rapid adaptation to new environments.
B) It can increase relatedness among sisters, favoring altruistic behavior.
C) It ensures all offspring are genetically identical.
D) It prevents inbreeding within the colony.
  • 5. What is the main function of worker ants in a colony?
A) Foraging, brood care, and nest maintenance.
B) Guarding the colony's external territory from all other life.
C) Mating with the queen and producing offspring.
D) Leading the colony's migration to new locations.
  • 6. What are pheromones?
A) Visual displays used in mating rituals.
B) Chemical signals used for communication within a species.
C) Airborne viruses that affect insect behavior.
D) Specialized proteins used for nest construction.
  • 7. What role does the queen pheromone play in an insect colony?
A) It attracts predators away from the nest.
B) It inhibits the reproductive development of workers.
C) It signals the location of food sources.
D) It is used to mark trails to new nesting sites.
  • 8. Why is trophallaxis important in social insect colonies?
A) It is the primary method of mating.
B) It serves as a warning signal for impending danger.
C) It is used to eliminate sick or injured individuals.
D) It distributes food and reinforces social bonds.
  • 9. In termite colonies, what is the primary building material for nests?
A) A mixture of soil, saliva, and feces (carton).
B) Stone gathered from the surrounding area.
C) Silk produced by specialized workers.
D) Leaves woven together with spider silk.
  • 10. What is the main difference between a worker and a soldier caste?
A) Workers are always larger than soldiers.
B) Soldiers are specialized for defense, often with larger heads and mandibles.
C) Soldiers are responsible for all foraging activities.
D) Workers are reproductive, while soldiers are not.
  • 11. What is age polyethism?
A) The division of labor based on an individual's size.
B) A system where only the oldest individuals reproduce.
C) The practice of excluding young from the nest.
D) The change in tasks performed by an individual as it ages.
  • 12. Which social insect is known for its massive underground fungus gardens?
A) Paper wasps.
B) Honey bees.
C) Leafcutter ants.
D) Termites.
  • 13. What is the 'waggle dance' of honey bees used for?
A) Signaling submission to the queen bee.
B) Communicating the direction and distance of a food source.
C) A mating ritual performed by drone bees.
D) Initiating a swarming event to form a new colony.
  • 14. What is colony collapse disorder (CCD)?
A) A phenomenon where the majority of worker bees disappear from a hive.
B) The invasion of a hive by a parasitic insect species.
C) The natural death of a colony at the end of a season.
D) The process of a queen bee being replaced.
  • 15. What is an important ecological role of social insects?
A) Soil aeration and nutrient cycling.
B) Primary production of oxygen.
C) Pollination of underwater plants.
D) Decomposition of large animal carcasses.
  • 16. What is slave-making in ants?
A) A species raids nests of other species to capture pupae, which become workers in the raider's colony.
B) The practice of ants keeping aphids as pets.
C) A system where ants are forced to work for humans.
D) A form of punishment for lazy workers within a colony.
  • 17. According to Wilson, what is a major driving force in the evolution of social insect complexity?
A) Acquired learning passed to offspring.
B) Individual competition for resources.
C) Random genetic drift.
D) Kin selection.
  • 18. Who is the author of 'The Insect Societies'?
A) Rachel Carson
B) E. O. Wilson
C) Charles Darwin
D) Jane Goodall
  • 19. What scientific field did 'The Insect Societies' help to establish?
A) Paleontology
B) Molecular genetics
C) Epidemiology
D) Sociobiology
  • 20. Which term describes an insect colony functioning as a single unit?
A) Ecosystem
B) Phylogeny
C) Metapopulation
D) Superorganism
  • 21. How do honey bees communicate food source locations according to Wilson's description?
A) Waggle dance
B) Audible sounds
C) Chemical trails
D) Visual landmarks
  • 22. Which term describes the phenomenon where insects work together without central control?
A) Monarchy
B) Dictatorship
C) Democracy
D) Self-organization
  • 23. What is the main reproductive individual in an ant colony called?
A) King
B) Empress
C) Princess
D) Queen
  • 24. How do termites primarily digest cellulose?
A) Strong digestive enzymes
B) External fermentation
C) Mechanical grinding
D) Symbiotic gut microorganisms
  • 25. In ant societies, what is the primary role of the queen?
A) Foraging for food
B) Reproduction
C) Tending to the fungus gardens
D) Defending the nest
  • 26. Wilson's research on ants is heavily based on the study of which subfamily?
A) Myrmicinae
B) Apidae
C) Isoptera
D) Vespidae
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