How do odorous house ants get their name?

How do odorous house ants get their name?

• A. From their ability to produce strong pheromones
• B. The odor they emit when crushed smells like rotten coconut
• C. For their pleasant scent in the home
• D. From their distinctive body odor

Answer: (B)

Odorous house ants receive their name due to the characteristic smell they emit when crushed, which resembles that of rotten coconut. This distinctive odor is a result of the volatile compounds released from their bodies, particularly when their exoskeletons are damaged. This unique scent is a notable identifying feature of these ants, making it easier to distinguish them from other species. Their name reflects this specific olfactory trait, which is not only relevant for identification but also plays a role in their behavior and interaction with other ants. Other options may reference various aspects of ant behavior or characteristics, but it is the specific scent associated with crushing that defines the name "odorous house ants."

Odorous house ants receive their name due to the characteristic smell they emit when crushed, which resembles that of rotten coconut. This distinctive odor is a result of the volatile compounds released from their bodies, particularly when their exoskeletons are damaged. This unique scent is a notable identifying feature of these ants, making it easier to distinguish them from other species. Their name reflects this specific olfactory trait, which is not only relevant for identification but also plays a role in their behavior and interaction with other ants.

Other options may reference various aspects of ant behavior or characteristics, but it is the specific scent associated with crushing that defines the name "odorous house ants."