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