BIOLOGY LESSON NOTE ON CROP PROPAGATION

TOPIC: SOCIAL INSECTS
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
• Define social insects and explain their characteristics.
• Identify examples of social insects and their hierarchical structure.
• Describe the roles of different castes in a colony.
• Explain how social insects communicate and coordinate their activities.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of social living in insects.
• Explain the economic and ecological importance of social insects.
LESSON CONTENT
1. Definition of Social Insects
Social insects are insects that live in organized colonies or groups where individuals perform specific roles for the survival of the colony. They exhibit cooperative behavior, division of labor, and communication among members.
Examples of social insects include:
• Ants
• Bees
• Termites
• Wasps
2. Characteristics of Social Insects
• Division of Labor: Each member of the colony has a specific role.
• Caste System: Different classes of individuals such as queen, workers, and soldiers.
• Cooperative Care for Offspring: Members help care for the young.
• Communication: Use of pheromones, sounds, and touch.
• Overlapping Generations: Different generations coexist in a colony.
3. Castes and Their Roles in Social Insects
A. Honeybee Colony
Queen:
- The only fertile female.
- Lays thousands of eggs.
- Releases pheromones to regulate behavior.
Workers:
- Collect nectar and pollen.
- Defend the hive.
- Take care of the young.
- Maintain the hive.
Drones:
- Mate with the queen.
- Do not collect food or defend the hive.
- Die after mating.
4. Communication in Social Insects
• Pheromones: Used to attract mates, warn of danger, or direct workers.
• Sound and Vibrations: Used by termites and ants.
• Touch and Movement: Bees use the waggle dance to indicate food sources.
5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Living
Advantages
• Division of Labor increases efficiency.
• Better defense against predators.
• Efficient food gathering.
• Caring for young increases survival rates.
Disadvantages
• Competition for resources.
• Rapid spread of diseases.
• Dependence on the colony for survival.
6. Economic and Ecological Importance of Social Insects
• Pollination: Bees help in pollinating crops and wild plants.
• Decomposition: Termites recycle nutrients by breaking down wood.
• Pest Control: Some ants control harmful insect populations.
• Honey Production: Honeybees produce honey and beeswax, which have commercial value.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. Social insects live in _____ groups.
a) Solitary
b) Organized
c) Random
d) None of the above
2. Which of these is NOT a characteristic of social insects?
a) Division of labor
b) Independent living
c) Caste system
d) Cooperative care of young
3. In a honeybee colony, the only fertile female is called the _____.
a) Worker
b) Queen
c) Drone
d) Soldier
CONCLUSION
Social insects play a crucial role in ecosystems by ensuring pollination, breaking down organic matter, and maintaining ecological balance. Their complex caste system and communication methods make them one of the most organized creatures in the animal kingdom. Understanding their behavior helps us appreciate their contributions to agriculture, industry, and nature.
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