Termite Behavior Lab Report PDF

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Termite Behavior Lab Report...

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1 24 October 2016 BIOL-L113 The Effect of Different Ink Color on the Behavior of Termites

Abstract: Animal behavior is an important fundamental concept of how living organisms act when they are placed in a certain situation or setting. Understanding the behavior of simple organisms such as Reticulculitermes spp. or termites, can give us a helpful insight about how exactly animal behavior works. Termites are tiny, blind insects that use chemicals called pheromones to communicate within their species and to find food. These pheromones are made and released by the termites themselves so they can also use it for a sense of direction or to navigate. In this experiment, our class closely examined the termite’s ability to detect direction by using different colored BIC pens (black, blue, green, and red) to see which color they would prefer. A “Y” shaped maze was drawn with a black stem as the arm colors were switched out to different color combinations. Our results showed that for many of the trials, the termites favored blue and red ink over the black and green. Studies show that the red and blue ink has a certain chemical that closely mimics a specific pheromone that termites naturally release when they are on a path to find a source of food. By understanding the chemical content of the ink in BIC pens and how it relates to termites, we are able to lay the groundwork for more complex experiments, which will help us to better comprehend animal behavior at an elementary level. Introduction: Termites are pheromone-secreting organisms. Pheromone production is very useful to termites as they use it to efficiently communicate and search for food. The termite will release the pheromone from the gland, which will create a path for other

2 termites to follow as well. Research shows that BIC pens contain 2-phenoxyethanol, which mimics the chemical that termites are prone to tail. Termites use several of theses types of chemicals to communicate because each colony produces its own odor. Furthermore, these pheromones also determine alarm, aggregate, recruit, trail, and mate (Culin). In our experiment, we wanted to see if manipulating the color would alter the termite’s ability to follow a certain trail. The objective of this lab was to determine whether or not the colors would affect the perception of the termites, and whether the pen ink contained a pigment that caused the termites to track it. Personally, I hypothesized that the termites would follow the red ink. Methods & Materials: Obtain one termite, a piece of blank paper, a plastic container chamber, and a black BIC pen. First, cut the paper so it fits in the plastic container chamber. Using the black pen, carefully draw a “T” shaped maze on the white paper. Next, introduce the termite at the start of the maze ensuring that it begins to follow the drawn maze before it reaches the part where the line splits into right or left. Watch as the termite attempts to make its decision, and record the result in the table. Repeat this experiment 3 more times, and accordingly record the data in Excel for the class spreadsheet. This first part tested for the handedness of the termite to see if they prefer a certain side. Next, in order to test for color sensitivity, obtain a termite, four pieces of blank paper, and assorted BIC pens (black, blue, green, and red). To start, draw a “Y” shaped maze on the paper beginning with a black stem, which splits into a black and blue arm. Introduce the termite to the black stem, which is the beginning of the maze. Observe the termite as it makes it decision, then record data. Redraw the “Y” maze with all the possible combinations of colors (black vs. red, black vs. green, black vs. blue, red vs.

3 green, red vs. blue, green vs. blue). Be sure to do each trial twice, and record the data accordingly in Excel. Results: For part one, the data collected was extremely varied. Each trial was different when it came to what side the termites preferred. Figure 1 depicts the results of 45 trials and ultimately shows how the termites chose the right side 26 times over the left side, which they only chose 19 times. For the second part, there was no consistent color that they picked each time. When the termites were introduced with black vs. blue, they chose blue. When they were introduced with black vs. red, they chose black. Between black and green, green was the chosen color. The termites chose blue when introduced to red and blue. Between red and green, red was the preferred color. Lastly, between blue and green, they opted for the blue ink.

Handedness of Termites vs. Number of Trials 10

Trials

8 6

Right Left

4 2 0

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Figure 1: Handedness of Termites vs. Amount of Trials

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Black vs Blue Amount of Termites

2.5 2 1.5

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1 0.5 0

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Figure 2: Termite Ink Preference

Black vs. Red 3.5 3 Termites

2.5 2

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1.5 1 0.5 0

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Trials

Figure 3: Termite Ink Preference

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Black vs Green Amount of Termites

2.5 2 1.5

Black Green

1 0.5 0

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Figure 4: Termite Ink Preference

Red vs. Blue Amount of Termites

2.5 2 1.5

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1 0.5 0

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Figure 5: Termite Ink Preference

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Red vs. Green 2.5

Termites

2 1.5

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1 0.5 0

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Figure 6: Termite Ink Preference

Blue vs Green 2.5

Termites

2 1.5

Blue Green

1 0.5 0

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Figure 7: Termite Ink Preference

Discussion: By analyzing the class the data, it is evident that the termites preferred their right side. This was overall the case in both the class data, and individually as a group. However, the data was extremely close. The termites only chose the right side 5 more

7 times over the left. It is unclear to why the termites preferred the right side, but it is possible that they have a stronger, or a more dominant right side due to biological reasons. In order to really back up this claim, more trials will need to be executed to confirm whether or not they prefer a certain side. As for color sensitivity, Figures 2-7 depict that the termites preferred blue and red ink to the other BIC colors. This supports my hypothesis, and goes on to show that the chemicals in these pens in fact mimic the special pheromones that the termites like to follow. Furthermore, since they are blind, termites are fully reliant on the production and release of these pheromones to help other termites as well. As previously stated, this chemical is called 2-phenoxyethanol. According to the data, this chemical seems to be present the most in the red and blue BIC pens causing the termite to repeatedly choose those colors. In order to extend this research, different items containing the 2-phenoxyethanol substance such as cosmetics, colored dyes, and other inks can be similarly smeared on paper, which the termite can be introduced to and led to follow (Culin). Overall, this experiment allows scientists and researchers to better understand animal behavior at a more basic level, so that they can apply what they know to create more complex experiments about animals and how they behave.

Works Cited: Bonner, Jose, James Hengeveld, Richard Holdeman, William Ruf, and Evelyn Rynkiewicz. 2016. Biology L113 Laboratory Manual. Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

8 Culin, Joe. "Chemical Communication in Termites." Bugs in the Classroom (n.d.): n. pag. Clemson University. Web. 24 Oct. 2016....