In the Paper Wasp, Although All Females in a Nest

question 21

Multiple Choice

In the paper wasp, although all females in a nest are physiologically capable of reproducing, a single female monopolizes almost all reproduction, while other females help rear her offspring. In some nests, female helpers are unrelated to the reproducing female. The most likely explanation for this is that these helpers gain ________ benefits, such as ________.

• A) indirect; an increase in the reproductive output of the reproducing female
• B) direct; an increase in the reproductive output of the reproducing female
• C) direct; the possibility of taking over the reproductive role when the reproducing female dies
• D) indirect; the possibility of taking over the reproductive role when the reproducing female dies