Honeybees live in social groups consisting of a queen, up to several hundred male drones, and thousands of infertile female workers. The drones mate with the queen only, and the workers protect the hive, forage, and feed and groom the queen. The health of the hive depends on the female workers performing these duties instead of reproducing.
What roles do pheromones play in maintaining a functional beehive?
Scientists have identified dozens of pheromones used by honeybees for communication. Which type of sensory system uses pheromones?
a. Mechanoreception
b. Photoreception
c. Chemoreception
d. Thermoreception
e. Electroreception

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of pheromones: Pheromones are chemical signals released by an organism to affect the behavior or physiology of other members of the same species. In honeybees, pheromones are crucial for communication and maintaining social structure within the hive.
2. Identify the function of pheromones in a beehive: In the context of a beehive, pheromones help regulate the activities of the queen, drones, and worker bees. They can signal the presence of the queen, suppress the reproductive capabilities of worker bees, and coordinate foraging and defense activities.
3. Determine the sensory system involved: Pheromones are detected through a sensory system that can perceive chemical signals. This system is responsible for processing the chemical cues that pheromones provide.
4. Review the options for sensory systems: The options given are mechanoreception (sensing mechanical changes), photoreception (sensing light), chemoreception (sensing chemicals), thermoreception (sensing temperature), and electroreception (sensing electrical fields).
5. Select the correct sensory system: Since pheromones are chemical signals, the sensory system that detects them is chemoreception. Therefore, the correct answer is c. chemoreception.

Key Concepts

Pheromones

Pheromones are chemical substances produced and released into the environment by animals, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of the same species. In honeybees, pheromones are crucial for communication within the hive, influencing roles such as mating, foraging, and maintaining social order. The queen releases specific pheromones to inhibit worker reproduction and ensure hive cohesion.

Chemoreception

Chemoreception is the sensory system that detects chemical stimuli, allowing organisms to perceive pheromones. In honeybees, chemoreceptors located on their antennae detect pheromones, facilitating communication and coordination within the hive. This system is essential for interpreting chemical signals that regulate social behaviors and hive functions.

Social Structure of Honeybees

The social structure of honeybees is characterized by a division of labor among the queen, drones, and worker bees. The queen is responsible for reproduction, drones for mating, and workers for maintaining the hive. This structure relies on pheromonal communication to ensure that each group performs its specific roles, contributing to the overall health and efficiency of the hive.