Problem 4 - Biology: The Dynamic Science

Question

Squashing an ant on a picnic blanket often attracts many other ants to its "funeral." What kind of signal did squashing the ant likely produce? a. an electrical signal b. a visual signal c. an acoustical signal d. a chemical signal e. a tactile signal

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The squashed ant likely produces a chemical signal.

Step 1: Rule out unlikely signals

First, consider which types of signals are least likely. Electrical signals are mostly used by animals for subaqueous communication. Acoustical signals would be ineffective for such small creatures in this context. And while ants use tactile signalling for some purposes, it wouldn't be efficient to communicate a specific message like this. Therefore, we can rule out options a, c and e.

Step 2: Consider the other options

That leaves us with visual signals and chemical signals. Ants have relatively poor eyesight, and are unlikely to use visual signals for complex messages.

Step 3: The correct answer

On the other hand, ants are known to communicate using pheromones, which are chemical signals. When an ant dies, it releases a specific pheromone that tells other ants its dead, often attracting other ants to come to its location. This suggests that squashing an ant sends a chemical signal that attracts other ants.