Georgia Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

What benefit do cornicles provide for aphids?

1. Help with reproduction

2. Assist in feeding

3. Act as warning signals

4. Store nutrients

The correct answer is: Act as warning signals

Cornicles, which are unique tubular structures found on the abdomens of aphids, play a significant role in their survival and communication. Specifically, they are involved in the secretion of alarm pheromones, which serve as warning signals to other aphids when they are under threat from predators or environmental stressors. By releasing these chemicals, cornicles help aphids alert nearby members of the colony to danger, prompting them to take evasive actions or abandon feeding sites that may be unsafe. This heightened ability to communicate and respond to threats enhances the overall survival of aphid populations, making cornicles an important evolutionary adaptation for these insects. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of cornicles. While aphids do have various strategies for reproduction, feeding, and nutrient storage, these processes are not directly associated with the specialized function of cornicles.