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:

Neuron

A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; the basic building block of the nervous system.

Dendrites

These are branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Axons

Long fibers extending from neurons that transmit electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body towards other neurons, muscles, or glands.

Dendrites

Tree-like extensions at the neuron's body that receive signals from other neural cells for processing.