Question

Which of the following features correctly show the mechanism of sex-determination in honey-bees?
(i) A zygote formed from the union of a sperm and an egg develops into a male.
(ii) Males have half the number of chromosomes as that of females.
(iii) The females are diploid having 32 chromosomes.
(iv) Males have a father and can produce sons.
Choose the correct option:

• A. (i) and (ii)
• B. (ii) and (i)
• C. (ii) and (iv)
• D. (ii) and (iii)

Hint:

In the haplodiploid system of honey-bees, males are haploid (one set of chromosomes), and females are diploid (two sets of chromosomes).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding honey-bee sex determination:
- Honey-bees utilize a haplodiploid system.
- Males (drones) are haploid, possessing a single set of chromosomes.
- Females (workers and queens) are diploid, possessing two sets of chromosomes (32 in total).
Step 2: Statement analysis:
- Statement (i): "A zygote formed from the union of a sperm and an egg develops into a male."
Incorrect. Male bees develop from unfertilized eggs (haploid); fertilized eggs yield females.
- Statement (ii): "Males have half the number of chromosomes as that of females."
Correct. Haploid males possess half the chromosome count of diploid females.
- Statement (iii): "The females are diploid having 32 chromosomes."
Correct. Female bees are diploid with 32 chromosomes.
- Statement (iv): "Males have a father and can produce sons."
Correct. Males originate from the queen and have a father. They can mate with females to produce offspring.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. The correct answer is option (D).