In Some Social Insects, There Are Individuals That Do Not

question 53

Multiple Choice

In some social insects, there are individuals that do not mate or may not be fertile but help look after other members of their group. Which statement regarding this situation is true?

• A) Natural selection cannot act on the genes of nonreproducers since they do not leave offspring.
• B) The ultimate cause of this behavior is the need to keep their group safe.
• C) By protecting relatives, the nonreproducers increase the probability that their genes will be passed to the next generation.
• D) Lack of mating is an agonistic behavior.

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Definitions:

Gene

A unit of hereditary information composed of DNA, which resides on chromosomes and influences specific characteristics.

Mendel's Research

The foundational genetic studies conducted by Gregor Mendel, which established the principles of inheritance through the breeding of pea plants.

Pea Plants

The plants used by Gregor Mendel in his pioneering experiments on genetics, contributing to the foundation of modern genetics.

Law of Segregation

Mendel's first law stating that the two copies of each gene separate during gamete formation, resulting in offspring receiving one allele from each parent.