Which of the following is NOT characteristic of social insects?

Step 1: Analyze the question We are asked to find the option that is NOT a characteristic of social insects such as ants, termites, and honey bees.

Step 2: Recall the concept Social insects live in organized colonies. Their main features are:

• Division of labour through a caste system. Castes include queen, workers, soldiers, and drones.
• Living together in the same habitat, such as a nest, hive, or mound.
• Protection of the colony and queen by soldiers or guards.
• Cooperation in food gathering, brood care, and nest building.
• Polymorphism, meaning members have different forms (structure) suited to their roles.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. All members are identical: This is false. Colony members differ in structure and function. A queen termite is much larger than workers, and soldiers have large heads and jaws. So this is NOT a characteristic.
• B. There is division of labour: True. Workers forage, the queen lays eggs, and soldiers defend.
• C. The members dwell in the same habitat: True. They share a nest, hive, or mound.
• D. Some members protect the queen: True. Soldiers and workers guard and attend to the queen.

Step 4: Answer The statement that is not characteristic of social insects is A. All members are identical. Social insects show polymorphism (different castes), not uniformity.

Tip: In "NOT" questions, look for the option that contradicts the key idea. Social insects are all about difference in roles (castes), so any option claiming "all are the same" is almost certainly the wrong characteristic. Remember "Social = Specialized."