Question

Soil inhabiting apterygote helpful in progressive degradation of decaying organic material is

• A. White ants
• B. Black Ants
• C. Collembolans
• D. Dung roller beetles

Hint:

Collembolans get the name "springtail" from their furcula, a tail-like organ that allows them to jump several inches to escape predators.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Apterygotes are primitive, wingless hexapods.
Soil is a complex ecosystem where various micro-arthropods play a vital role in nutrient cycling.
Detailed Explanation:
Collembolans, commonly known as "springtails," are among the most abundant soil animals.
They are apterygotes (wingless throughout their life history).
They live in the litter layer and topsoil where they feed on fungi, bacteria, and decaying plant matter.
By breaking down large pieces of organic debris into smaller fragments, they increase the surface area for microbial action.
This fragmentation is a critical first step in the formation of humus and the recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Unlike ants (Hymenoptera) and beetles (Coleoptera), which are Pterygotes (winged insects, though some castes may lack wings), Collembolans are primitive hexapods.
"White ants" or termites are also vital for decomposition, but they belong to the order Isoptera/Blattodea, which are evolutionarily higher than apterygotes.
Collembolans are often used as biological indicators of soil health because they are sensitive to pesticides and pollution.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Collembolans are the primary apterygotes involved in the degradation of soil organic matter.