Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

What happens to the majority of swarmers during their mating period?

1. They establish a new colony

2. They die or are killed

3. They migrate

4. They hibernate

The correct answer is: They die or are killed

During the mating period, the majority of swarmers, which are typically winged reproductive individuals in certain species such as ants or termites, engage in a flight toward their mating area. After mating, most of these swarmers will die or are killed, as their primary biological purpose is to reproduce. Once the mating has occurred, their physiological state and lack of essential resources often lead to mortality. This phenomenon highlights the natural cycle of these insects, where the focus is primarily on propagating the species rather than on individual survival after mating. The other choices, while they may seem plausible in other contexts, do not accurately describe the fate of the majority of swarmers during this specific period. Establishing a new colony typically occurs when a small number of successful pairings lead to a new reproductive couple, not the majority. Migration is not a primary behavior associated with swarmers at this time; they usually congregate for mating rather than moving long distances. Hibernation is also not relevant, as swarmers are active during their mating period rather than in a dormant state.