Question

In the paper wasp, although all females in a nest are physiologically capable of reproducing, a single female monopolizes almost all reproduction, while other females help rear her offspring. In some nests, female helpers are unrelated to the reproducing female. The most likely explanation for this is that these helpers gain _________ benefits, such as ____________.

A) indirect; an increase in the reproductive output of the reproducing female
B) direct; an increase in the reproductive output of the reproducing female
C) direct; possibility of taking over the reproductive role when the reproducing female dies
D) indirect; possibility of taking over the reproductive role when the reproducing female dies

Answer 1

Unrelated female helpers in a paper wasp nest gain indirect benefits, such as an increase in the reproductive output of the reproducing female.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely explanation for unrelated female helpers in a paper wasp nest is that they gain indirect benefits, such as an increase in the reproductive output of the reproducing female. This behavior can be explained by kin selection, where the worker bees are closely related to the reproducing female and indirectly pass on their genes through her offspring. By helping to rear her offspring, the helpers increase their inclusive fitness.