Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which castes lack wings and wing buds?

1. Only soldiers

2. Only workers

3. Workers, soldiers, and tertiary reproductives

4. All castes

The correct answer is: Workers, soldiers, and tertiary reproductives

The correct answer highlights the fact that in certain social insect species, such as ants and termites, the castes that are typically present within the colony have specific roles and physical adaptations. Castes that lack wings and wing buds are typically those responsible for functions such as foraging, caretaking, or defense, rather than reproduction or dispersal. Workers are non-reproductive females that perform various roles essential for the survival of their colony, such as foraging for food, caring for the queen's offspring, and maintaining the nest. Soldiers, which are often larger and specifically developed for defense, also do not have wings or wing buds because their primary role is to protect the colony rather than to engage in reproduction. The tertiary reproductives, when applicable, serve as backup reproductive members of the colony but have also evolved to lack wings, as their functionality doesn't rely on dispersing from the nest. Hence, the inclusion of workers, soldiers, and tertiary reproductives in the correct answer illustrates that none of these castes possess wings or wing buds, further emphasizing their specialized roles within the colony's structure. This understanding is vital for comprehending the ecological roles of different insect castes and how they contribute to the colony’s overall functionality and survival.