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39. What group (family) of insects is generally most common in the tropics? Why is the particular group thought to be so abundant?

User Shareese
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Final answer:

Social insects like ants, termites, bees, and wasps are the most common group of insects in the tropics because their organized colonies and specialized roles within these colonies lead to successful adaptation to the tropical environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When exploring the vast diversity of insects in the tropics, it is clear that certain groups of insects are more prevalent than others due to the favorable environmental conditions. Social insects such as ants, termites, bees, and wasps are particularly common. These insects are known for their ability to live in well-organized colonies, which may include millions of individuals. Each member of the colony takes up specific roles, like foraging, defending, or reproducing, which contributes to the success and abundance of their population. The tropical climate provides an ideal environment with plenty of food sources and habitats that support the complex social structures and lifestyles of these insects. In addition to their social structure, these insects have coevolved with their environment. For example, plants have developed compounds to ward off pest insects, but these compounds can also affect plant behavior and growth, creating a dynamic that can benefit the evolution of certain insect groups that can overcome these defenses. This intricate relationship further cements the dominance of social insects in tropical habitats.

User Bernhard Jaeger
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