Question

Scientists have identified dozens of pheromones used by honeybees for communication. Which type of sensory system are pheromones used in? a. mechanoreception b. photoreception c. chemoreception d. thermoreception e. electroreception

Short answer

Honeybees use pheromones for communication, which are chemical substances. Therefore, they use the chemoreception sensory system. The correct answer is (c) chemoreception.

Step-by-step solution

Understand each type of sensory system

a. Mechanoreception: This is the ability to sense physical forces like touch, pressure or vibrations. b. Photoreception: This is related to the ability to detect light, which is primarily used for vision. c. Chemoreception: This is the ability to sense chemical substances in the environment and respond accordingly. d. Thermoreception: This type of sensory system is used for detecting temperature changes in the environment. e. Electroreception: This is the ability to detect electric fields.

Identify the sensory system most likely related to pheromones

Pheromones are special chemical substances released by animals to communicate with other members of their species. Since they involve the interaction of chemical substances, the sensory system related to their detection and use would be chemoreception.

Select the correct answer

Based on our understanding of pheromones and the type of sensory system they are related to, the correct answer for this exercise is: c. chemoreception

Key concepts

Pheromones

Pheromones play a pivotal role in the animal kingdom, serving as a means of chemical communication between members of the same species. These are organic compounds that trigger a specific response in recipients. They can convey a myriad of messages crucial for survival and reproduction, such as signals for mating, marking territory, or warning of predators.
In honeybees, for instance, pheromones help coordinate activities within the hive. When a honeybee perceives a pheromonal signal, it can alter its behavior to benefit the entire colony. This chemical signaling ensures that honeybee communities operate efficiently and cohesively. Different pheromones can cause various reactions, like helping a lost bee find its way back to the hive or signaling to others when the queen is present. Consequently, pheromones are essential for the social structure and success of bee colonies.

Sensory Systems

Sensory systems are specialized structures within organisms that allow them to detect and respond to environmental stimuli. They help creatures interpret changes and react appropriately, ensuring survival and adaptability.

• Mechanoreception involves sensing mechanical changes, such as vibrations or pressure. It's what enables us to feel touch or hear sound.
• Photoreception is primarily related to sight, allowing organisms to detect and interpret light.
• Chemoreception is the detection of chemical signals in the environment. It's this sensory system that recognizes pheromones, allowing an organism to react to chemical cues.
• Thermoreception allows organisms to detect heat changes, helping them maintain a stable internal environment.
• Electroreception involves picking up on electrical fields, a more specialized system found in some fish.

The broad array of sensory systems highlights how living creatures have adapted to interact with their environment in diverse and complex ways.

Honeybee Communication

Honeybee communication is a sophisticated blend of chemical and mechanical signals, enabling them to perform complex tasks. They primarily use pheromones for communication, but they also rely on movements and sounds, such as the famous "waggle dance," to convey information.
Each bee colony functions akin to a well-organized city, with bees communicating through pheromone cues to support hive defense, foraging, and reproductive processes. Different glands within a bee's body release specific pheromones, each designed to elicit precise responses.
For example, the queen bee produces pheromones that suppress the reproductive capacities of other females and ensure her position as the sole reproductive female. Meanwhile, alarm pheromones warn of intruders, prompting defensive behaviors. Pheromones thereby foster cooperation and efficiency, underlining their fundamental role in the survival and productivity of honeybee societies.