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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. During trophallaxis communication, what is exchanged between individuals?

2. Which of the following is NOT a method of communication used by ant species?

3. What do young, nonreproductive ants do with their eggs?

4. From what gland do ants lay odor trails leading to food sources?

5. What month of the year is considered the "nuptial flight" month for ant species?

Short Essay Questions

1. What study was performed on fire ants leading to the understanding the foragers will respond to the nutritional needs of their colony?

2. How have leafcutter ants altered the landscape in which they live?

3. What happens during the ergonomic stage of an ant colony?

4. How is the workload divided between major and minor workers?

5. How does the caste system within a given ant colony change according to the demographic?

6. What are some of the ways ant colonies control the numbers of queens present in their colony?

7. How is ant communication categorized?

8. What is the most common form of communication between ants, and how is it expressed?

9. How does Wilson argue the Paleozoic Era changed insects?

10. How do various ant species, as discussed in this novel, protect their nests from spiders?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kin selection is an important part of ant colony success. Describe the two main arguments to kin selection as given by Darwin and Hamilton. How did their opinions of kin selection differ? Finally, explain the two main hypotheses surrounding kin selection - Mutualism, and Parental Manipulation. How have these hypothesis affected understanding of kin selection as a whole?

Essay Topic 2

In the study of kin recognition, scientists performed studies on various other animals and insects in the attempt of understanding how colonized animals recognize one another in a swarm. Choose two studies that did not involve ant colonies and explain their findings in regards to kin recognition. Explain how these two studies affected the way ant kinship was understood.

Essay Topic 3

The process of brooding young larvae is one of the most important processes in an ant colony. Explain the role the queen ant has in breeding her young. Explain the role worker ants have in the brooding. Finally, explain how chemical alteration of the larvae affects their brooding process.

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