Introductory Entomology MCQs

1. Which of the following characteristics is shared by all insects?
(A) Two pairs of wings
(B) Three pairs of legs
(C) A soft, segmented body
(D) A simple eye structure

2. What is the term used to describe the shedding of the exoskeleton in insects?
(A) Metamorphosis
(B) Molting
(C) Ecdysis
(D) Pupation

3. Which of the following is an example of an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis?
(A) Grasshopper
(B) Termite
(C) Butterfly
(D) Silverfish

4. In the context of insect physiology, what is the main function of the Malpighian tubules?
(A) Respiration
(B) Excretion of metabolic wastes
(C) Circulation of hemolymph
(D) Digestion of food

5. Which of the following orders of insects contains species that are primarily decomposers?
(A) Coleoptera (beetles)
(B) Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths)
(C) Diptera (flies)
(D) Isoptera (termites)

6. Which of the following insect adaptations helps in avoiding desiccation (water loss) in arid environments?
(A) Development of wings
(B) Thickened exoskeleton
(C) Malpighian tubules
(D) Sclerotization of cuticle

7. In which stage of complete metamorphosis does an insect undergo physiological reorganization to form the adult form?
(A) Egg
(B) Larva
(C) Pupa
(D) Adult

8. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of insects in the order Hemiptera?
(A) Chewing mouthparts
(B) Wingless adults
(C) Sucking mouthparts
(D) Complex metamorphosis

9. Which structure in insects is primarily responsible for gas exchange?
(A) Heart
(B) Tracheae
(C) Digestive system
(D) Malpighian tubules

10. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of insects in the order Diptera (flies)?
(A) Two pairs of wings
(B) One pair of wings and halteres
(C) Four wings with a membranous structure
(D) Scaly wings

11. Which of the following is true regarding the insect’s circulatory system?
(A) It is a closed circulatory system like in vertebrates
(B) Hemolymph is circulated to all body parts by a heart that pumps through vessels
(C) Oxygen is carried by the blood, similar to the hemoglobin system in humans
(D) The circulatory system plays a major role in nutrient absorption

12. What is the term used to describe the process by which an insect changes its body form dramatically during its life cycle?
(A) Ecdysis
(B) Metamorphosis
(C) Mating
(D) Copulation

13. Which insect order contains species that exhibit the longest lifespan among insects?
(A) Coleoptera (beetles)
(B) Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies)
(C) Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps)
(D) Odonata (dragonflies)

14. What is the primary role of the insect exoskeleton?
(A) Nutrient absorption
(B) Protection against predators and environmental stress
(C) Respiration
(D) Facilitation of movement

15. Which of the following is an example of an insect that has a symbiotic relationship with plants?
(A) Mosquitoes
(B) Termites
(C) Pollinating bees
(D) Houseflies