MCQ Detailed View

Ants, like many insects, do not have noses. The correct answer is None. Instead of a nose, ants rely on their antennae to perform the functions that noses perform in humans and other animals.

The antennae of ants are highly sensitive sensory organs. They can detect chemical signals (pheromones), vibrations, and touch. Through these signals, ants communicate with one another, find food, recognize nestmates, and even detect danger. In fact, the antennae are so important to ants that losing them makes survival extremely difficult.

Unlike mammals that breathe through noses and lungs, ants use a network of tiny tubes called tracheae for respiration. These tubes open to the outside through small pores in their exoskeleton called spiracles. Oxygen enters directly into the body through spiracles and diffuses into tissues, while carbon dioxide exits the same way. Therefore, ants do not need noses for breathing either.

Here’s a breakdown of why ants don’t have noses:

1. 
   

   Smelling: Ants "smell" through their antennae, which detect pheromones. This chemical communication is essential for colony organization.

   
   


2. 
   

   Breathing: Ants breathe through spiracles, not a nose. Air goes directly into their body without passing through a nose-like structure.

   
   


3. 
   

   Touch and Navigation: The antennae also serve as touch organs, helping ants navigate their environment.

   
   

To compare:

• 
  

  Humans and mammals use noses for both breathing and smelling.

  
  


• 
  

  Ants separate these functions: breathing through spiracles and smelling with antennae.

  
  

In conclusion, ants do not possess noses at all. Their antennae replace the role of noses in smell detection, while spiracles manage breathing. This makes the answer None.