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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. In the prey chart listed on pages 559-561, where are all species of thief ants found?

2. In what part of the ant's anatomy are the unicellular glands?

3. Which of the following is NOT a host used by fungus-growing ants in their gardens?

4. Which of the following is not a myrmecophile noted in the text?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What amusing anecdote does V. Wolfgang von Hagen give about leafcutter ants?

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

3. How do weaver ants build their nests?

4. What are the dangers of using an aspirator when collecting ant samples for study?

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

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

7. How do Teleutomyrmex schneideri ants survive?

8. What interesting collecting method did Harlow Shapely use when preserving ants?

9. Why are Proceratium ants considered the most specialized of all egg predators?

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

Many field studies have been done in regards to the symbiotic relationships ants have with their own, and alien species in the wild. Explain how a symbiotic relationship is defined. Give one example of a symbiotic relationship between differing ant species. Finally, give at least one example of a symbiotic relationship between and ant and alien species in the wild.

Essay Topic 2

Ants are considered a highly altruistic species of animals. Define altruism. Give two examples of ways in which ants are considered altruistic creatures. Finally, explain how the altruism found within ant societies benefits the colony as a whole. Do you think ants would survive were it not for their altruistic nature?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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