The only caste in the termite colony whose members can feed themselves are the

Analyze the question: The question asks which termite caste can feed itself. In a termite colony, the castes are the king and queen (reproductives), workers, soldiers, and nymphs.

Explain the concept: Termites are social insects with a division of labour:

• Workers forage for food (wood, cellulose), digest it with the help of gut microorganisms, and feed all the other castes through regurgitation (trophallaxis). They also build and repair the nest and care for the eggs.
• Soldiers have large heads and strong mandibles for defence. They cannot feed themselves, so workers feed them.
• Reproductives (king and queen) are dedicated to mating and egg-laying. They are fed by workers.
• Nymphs are young, immature termites. They are fed by workers, at least in the early stages, and develop into other castes.

Solution:

1. Identify which caste is responsible for feeding the colony. That is the workers.
2. Every other caste depends on the workers for food.
3. So the workers are the only caste whose members can feed themselves.

Note on the question: In reality, older nymphs in some termite species can begin to feed themselves. Option A matches my working.

Answer: A. workers

Exam tip: Remember "Workers Work and Feed." Whenever a question asks who feeds, builds, or cares for the colony, think workers. Soldiers defend, reproductives reproduce, and both depend on the workers for food.