Question 2
The diagrams below are illustrations of different kinds of termites living in the same habitat. Study them and answer questions 2(a) to 2(d).
(a) (i) Identify the biological activities carried out in X, Y and Z. [3 marks]
(ii) Name the main biological system and three associated organs in humans that are involved in the activities illustrated in X and Y. [8 marks]
(iii) Name four biological systems that become functional when the activity in Z is carried out. [4 marks]
(b) State four advantages of the activity in Z to the human body. [4 marks]
(c) What is the fate of excessive consumption of the following food types in the human body?
(a)
(i) Identify the termites labelled I, II, III, IV and V. [5 marks]
(ii) State one role each of I, II, III, IV and V in a colony. [5 marks]
(iii) State one characteristic feature that adapts each of I, II and V to its functions. [3 marks]
(b) (i) What behavioural adaptation is exhibited by termites? [1 mark]
(ii) Give one reason for the answer in 2(b)(i). [1 mark]
(iii) Name one other example of animals that are similar in behaviour to termites.[1 mark]
(c) State three ways by which termites are of economic importance. [3 marks]
(d) State three structural differences between I and II. [3 marks]
Observation
Some candidates could not identify the termites illustrated in the diagram which also made them lose marks to stating the roles of the termites in the colony. Only those that could identify them properly were able to stet their roles in the colony.
Many candidates could not state the structure and function to the question on adaptation which made them lose the marks.
Many candidates could state the behavioral adaptation exhibited by insects and give one reason for the answer. Some candidates could also give examples of organisms that are similar in behavior to termites; although, some lost marks to the spelling of the organisms.
Candidates performed fairly in stating the economic importance of termites.
A few candidates could state the structural differences between termites I and II. Those that lost marks could not correspond their answers.
The expected answers are:
2.
(a) (i) Identification of termites in diagrams
I- Queen;
II- Soldier (Mandibulate);
III- Winged reproductive/alate
IV- King;
V- Worker.
Note: spellings must be correct to score.
(ii) Role of I, II, III, IV and V in a colony
I/Queen: laying eggs;
II/Soldier (Mandibulate): defending the colony against enemies/defence
III/Winged reproductive/alate: replacing old queen/king/establishing new colony;
IV/King: mating with the queen/fertilising the eggs;
V/Worker: building/repairing the nest/termitarium/collecting food for the colony.
(iii) Characteristic features that adapt I, II and V to its functions
I/Queen: large/swollen abdomen; which stores eggs;
II/Soldier (Mandibulate): massive/large mandibles/ large head; to defend the colony/for defence/use of large head to block entrance of tunnel;
V/Worker: well developed/strong mouthparts/legs; to carry out feeding/ building/ repairing the nest/termitarium/collecting food for the colony.
(b)
(i) Behavioural adaptation exhibited by termites
Social animal/insect/caste system.
(ii) Reason for the answer
The animals live together in organised communities/colonies/caste/exhibit division of labour.
(iii) Example of animals similar in behavioural to termites
Bees/wasps/ants/ (bumble) bees.
(c) Economic importance of termites
- Eats up wood/books/clothes;
- Destroys crops;
- Increases penetration of water in the soil by burrowing/tunnelling;
- Aerates soil through burrowing/tunnelling;
- Increases humus content of the soil;
- Source of protein/food;
- Mound/termitarium is used to build tennis court;
- Termitarium increases the cost of road construction /mechanised farming /clearing of sites;
- Used as bait for fishing.
(d) Structural differences between termites I and II
