What does "budding" refer to in the behavior of pharaoh ants?

What does "budding" refer to in the behavior of pharaoh ants?

• A. Formation of new colonies after water exposure
• B. Separation into multiple colonies due to insecticide treatment
• C. Creating nests in water-logged areas
• D. Reproduction during the budding season

Answer: (B)

The term "budding" in relation to pharaoh ants specifically refers to their ability to separate into multiple colonies, especially as a response to disturbances such as insecticide treatment. When exposed to such stressors, pharaoh ants have a unique survival strategy where they can split their colony into several smaller colonies. This method increases their chances of survival, as each smaller group can disperse and relocate, thus avoiding total destruction of the population. The other concepts mentioned do not accurately capture the behavior associated with budding. For instance, the notion of creating nests in water-logged areas or the idea of reproduction during a budding season does not align with the established understanding of pharaoh ant behavior. Instead, budding emphasizes their adaptive strategy to ensure colony persistence when faced with threats.

The term "budding" in relation to pharaoh ants specifically refers to their ability to separate into multiple colonies, especially as a response to disturbances such as insecticide treatment. When exposed to such stressors, pharaoh ants have a unique survival strategy where they can split their colony into several smaller colonies. This method increases their chances of survival, as each smaller group can disperse and relocate, thus avoiding total destruction of the population.

The other concepts mentioned do not accurately capture the behavior associated with budding. For instance, the notion of creating nests in water-logged areas or the idea of reproduction during a budding season does not align with the established understanding of pharaoh ant behavior. Instead, budding emphasizes their adaptive strategy to ensure colony persistence when faced with threats.