What distinguishes a social insect colony?

A social insect colony is characterized by a division of labor within the colony, which means that different individuals perform specific roles to support the overall functioning and survival of the group. In social insects such as bees, ants, and termites, this specialization leads to increased efficiency and productivity. For instance, some members may focus on foraging for food, while others may take on the role of caring for the young or defending the nest.

The other options do not accurately define the distinguishing features of a social insect colony. While some social insects can survive in varying temperatures, this trait is not exclusive to social insects and doesn’t define their social structure. The presence of a solitary queen is not representative of a social structure, as many social insects have a queen that is supported by numerous worker individuals, and the offshoots of this structure can be found in different types of colonies as well. Furthermore, while some social insects may consume plant material, many species vary in diet and can be omnivores or carnivores, which again does not serve as a defining characteristic of social insect colonies.