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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. How many times their own body weight do Idaho harvester ants retrieve during their lifetime?

2. On what continent is there a species of ants that can explode their abdomens in a suicidal attempt to entrap their predators?

3. Which of the following is NOT a phase of colony defense?

4. How many life cycle stages do all ant colonies go through?

5. Which of the following activities did Huber mistakenly think was play among ant species?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Idaho harvester ants exhibit altruistic behavior?

2. Why does Wilson think vertebrate animals are heavily favored in science books?

3. How is ant communication categorized?

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

5. What are "sibling species?"

6. How do male ants function within the colony caste system?

7. What is the Hymenoptera order, and how do ants fit in this order?

8. What are "Tramp Species" of ants?

9. How did the study of swallows affect the way scientists viewed spatial distribution?

10. Why are extra queens often considered an unnecessary burden within a colony?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many ant colonies participate in slavery techniques that boost productivity with in the colony. Define the term "true slavery" as it is discussed in the novel. Explain what methods are traditionally used by ant colonies to secure slaves within their nest. Finally, explain how slave work functions within a colony? How it preserves maximum output for minimal effort.

Essay Topic 2

The role of the queen within an ant society is one that Wilson demands much focus on throughout the text. Explain the role of the queen in starting an ant colony. What role does the queen play in decision-making for the colony as a whole? Finally, explain how the role of the queen changes as the society becomes more successful, and which members of the colony take over the decision-making process.

Essay Topic 3

Each ant colony goes through three distinct phases of the life cycle. Explain what happens during the founding stages of an ant colony. Explain what happens during the ergonomic stages. Finally, explain what happens during the reproductive phase. How do all three of these phases work together as a life cycle?

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