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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. Which of the following insects are harvested in "ranches" by ants?

2. How old must an Eciton army ant be to reach sexual maturity?

3. What is another word for myrmecophile?

4. Which of the following ant species is the most specialized granivore?

5. Where do weaver ants live, exclusively?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is an ant garden?

2. How do weaver ants build their nests?

3. What is the typical foraging pattern for harvester ants?

4. How does density specialization affect competition with ant species?

5. How do Teleutomyrmex schneideri ants survive?

6. What is acacia?

7. In his study of army ants published in 1948, what does Schnerila claim happens to the queen as her brood reaches maturity?

8. What is the first phase of nest building in a weaver ant colony? Why does this phase require teamwork?

9. How do Solenopsis flies affect the productivity of Apocephalus ants in Texas?

10. What modifications must a parasite's body undergo in order to live successfully off a host's body?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Leafcutter ants are among one of the most interesting and well studies species of ants in the world. Describe what characteristics make a leafcutter ant unique. Summarize at least one major study of leafcutter ants that was presented in the text. Finally, explain how an ant garden functions. How gardens affect the lives of leafcutter ants.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In the introduction of the text, authors Holldolber and Wilson argue the importance of ants within the scientific and ecologic communities. Explain why ants are important to most landscapes in this world. Explain why Wilson believes vertebrate animals are favored over invertebrates in science books and studies.

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