Biology of Insects and Pollination

This question asks you to identify the odd one out among the options. Cockroaches are insects that can live for extended periods without food, are known to be nocturnal, and have survived for millions of years. The key is to identify what characteristic makes the cockroach different from honey bees, houseflies, and grasshoppers in the context of the source passage.

Mosquitoes have exactly 47 teeth (actually specialized bristles called stylets) that they use to pierce skin. Option D is correct. Options A (10), B (32), and C (35) are incorrect counts.

Butterflies have chemoreceptors on their feet (tarsi) that allow them to 'taste' plants to determine if they are suitable for laying eggs or if they contain nectar. They do not taste with their wings or antennae.

Cockroaches can survive for several weeks without their heads because they have an open circulatory system and breathe through small openings in their body segments. They can continue basic functions until they die from starvation or dehydration.

Entomophobia (also called insectophobia) is the fear of insects. It comes from Greek 'entomon' meaning insect, which is also the root of 'entomology' (study of insects). This is a common specific phobia. The other options represent ailurophobia (cats), hippophobia (horses), and domatophobia (home).

The deer botfly is considered the fastest flying insect, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h). This makes it exceptionally fast among insects, though its speed claims have been subject to scientific debate and verification.

Silk is produced by the larva (caterpillar) of the silkworm, specifically the Bombyx mori. The larva secretes silk fibers from specialized salivary glands to spin its cocoon during the final stage of its larval phase. The cocoon is then processed to extract silk fibers. Neither the egg, pupa, nor adult insect produces silk.

Butterflies have chemoreceptors on their feet (tarsi) that allow them to 'taste' plants to determine if they are suitable for laying eggs or provide nectar. They do not use their mouth, wings, or antennae for the primary sense of taste.

In Sanskrit, 'bhramara' (भ्रमर) means 'bee' - specifically a large black bee. It appears in literature and mythology (like Krishna's bee-like nature in devotion). It does not mean 'housefly,' 'eyes,' or 'imagination.'

Desert locusts are infamous for their massive appetites and can devastate agriculture. Large swarms (containing billions of locusts) can consume approximately 20,000 tons of vegetation daily, making them one of the most destructive agricultural pests.

A honey bee does NOT need to tap two million flowers to make one pound of honey. This number is exaggerated - a bee typically visits 50-100 flowers per trip and makes many trips. The actual number is much lower, though still substantial. The statement is false.