The mouthparts of a grasshopper are adapted for

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the feeding function of the grasshopper's mouthparts. This depends on the type of food it eats and how it feeds.

Step 2: Explain the concept Insects have different mouthpart types depending on their diet:

• Sucking (siphoning): butterflies and moths, which feed on nectar
• Piercing and sucking: mosquitoes and aphids, which feed on blood or plant sap
• Sponging: houseflies, which feed on liquids
• Biting and chewing: grasshoppers, cockroaches, and termites, which feed on solid food

Step 3: Apply to the grasshopper A grasshopper feeds on leaves and grasses, which are solid plant material. Its mouthparts include:

• Labrum: the upper lip, which holds food
• Mandibles: strong, toothed jaws that bite and chew the food
• Maxillae: which hold and manipulate the food
• Labium: the lower lip
• Palps: sensory structures that help detect food

The mandibles move sideways, like scissors, to cut and chew the leaves. This is a biting and chewing mouthpart type.

Step 4: Evaluate the options

• A. Sucking: this belongs to butterflies and mosquitoes, so it is wrong.
• B. Chewing: correct, because grasshoppers eat solid leaves.
• C. Grinding: the mandibles do crush food somewhat, but the standard classification is "biting and chewing," so this is not the best answer.
• D. Absorption: this belongs to organisms such as fungi and tapeworms, so it is wrong.

Answer: B. Chewing

Exam tip: Match the mouthpart to the food. Solid food means chewing (grasshopper, cockroach). Liquid food means sucking (butterfly, mosquito, housefly). Remember: "Grasshopper grabs grass, so it chews."