Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which castes of termites are known to be blind?

1. Only workers

2. Only soldiers

3. Workers and soldiers

4. Workers, soldiers, and tertiary reproductives

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

The correct answer is D, which indicates that workers, soldiers, and tertiary reproductives of termites are known to be blind. In a termite colony, the different castes have specialized roles that contribute to the overall survival of the colony. Workers are responsible for gathering food, caring for the young, and maintaining the nest, while soldiers are tasked with protecting the colony from predators. Both of these castes lack the ability to see, which is a significant adaptation for their roles. The blindness allows them to navigate and function effectively in the dark environments of their nests without the distraction of light. Tertiary reproductives, which are sometimes present in a colony when primary reproductive members (the king and queen) are absent or unable to reproduce, also share this characteristic. Their blindness similarly allows them to perform their roles in the confined, dark spaces of a termite colony. The limitation of vision in these castes is a product of their evolutionary adaptation to their environments, relying on other senses, such as touch and smell, to interact within their colony and process their environments effectively. In contrast, primary reproductives (the king and queen) are equipped with eyes, allowing them to recognize potential mates and suitable environments for establishing new colonies. This differentiation highlights the