Phorid Flies Are Being Used to Combat the Invasive Red

question 72

Multiple Choice

Phorid flies are being used to combat the invasive red imported fire ants. How do phorid flies kill the ants?

• A)They are predators of the ants.
• B)They produce a poison in their lining which kills the ants when eaten.
• C)They are parasitoids that lay their eggs in the ant's body.
• D)They compete with the ants for food sources.
• E)They kill ant eggs.

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Definitions:

Criterion Variable

The dependent variable in an experimental design, which is influenced or predicted by other variables.

Mediator Variable

A variable that explains the mechanism through which an independent variable influences a dependent variable in a causal relationship.

Predictor Variable

A variable, often designated as the independent variable, that is used to make predictions about (or is assumed to cause) changes in another variable.

Criterion Variable

The variable that is predicted or explained in a study, often considered the outcome or dependent variable.