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Study Guide: Introduction to Entomology: History, Branches, and Professionals

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Introduction to Entomology: History, Branches, and Professionals Study Guide

Foundations and Etymology of Entomology

In its modern scientific context, entomology is defined as the study encompassing all arthropods, including crustaceans and arachnids.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. While historically the scope of entomology was broader, its modern scientific definition is specifically the study of insects. Other arthropods like crustaceans and arachnids fall under different branches of zoology.

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The term 'entomology' is derived from Greek words meaning 'study' and 'insect'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'entomology' originates from the Ancient Greek words 'entomon' (meaning insect) and 'logos' (meaning study), accurately reflecting its scientific focus.

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In British English, 'insectology' refers to the general scientific study of insects, similar to its American English usage.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. While 'insectology' is used in American English for the general scientific study of insects, in British English, it specifically refers to the study of the relationships between insects and humans.

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The quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. suggests that entomology is a field of manageable scope for a single expert.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. The quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. implies that entomology is an immensely vast and complex field, suggesting that it is beyond the complete mastery of any single individual.

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The field of entomology has roots in nearly all human cultures, particularly concerning agriculture and beekeeping.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. The integration of entomology into human cultures dates back to prehistoric times, with significant connections to agriculture, including pest management and biological control, as well as the practice of beekeeping.

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What is the primary definition of entomology?

Answer: The branch of zoology focused specifically on insects.

Explanation: Entomology is precisely defined as the branch of zoology dedicated to the scientific study of insects. While historically broader, its modern scope is specific to Insecta.

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From which ancient languages and meanings does the term 'entomology' originate?

Answer: Greek 'entomon' (insect) and 'logos' (study)

Explanation: The term 'entomology' is derived from the Ancient Greek words 'entomon,' meaning insect, and 'logos,' meaning study. This etymology directly reflects the scientific discipline's focus.

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Historically, which groups were sometimes included under the umbrella of entomology, though not in its modern definition?

Answer: Arachnids, myriapods, and crustaceans

Explanation: Historically, the definition of entomology was broader and sometimes encompassed the study of other arthropod groups, such as arachnids (spiders, mites), myriapods (centipedes, millipedes), and crustaceans. However, the modern scientific definition is specifically limited to insects.

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What specific meaning does 'insectology' carry in British English, according to the text?

Answer: The study of the relationships between insects and humans.

Explanation: In British English, the term 'insectology' specifically denotes the study of the relationships between insects and humans. In American English, it is often used synonymously with entomology for the general scientific study of insects.

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Throughout history, entomology has been integrated into human cultures primarily in connection with which field?

Answer: Agriculture and biological control

Explanation: Historically, entomology has been deeply integrated into human cultures, particularly concerning agriculture. This includes its role in pest management, biological control strategies, and practices such as beekeeping.

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What does the quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. imply about the field of entomology?

Answer: It is immensely vast and complex.

Explanation: The quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. implies that entomology is an immensely vast and complex field, suggesting that it is beyond the complete mastery of any single individual.

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Historical Eras and Pioneers in Entomology

The historical integration of entomology into human cultures was primarily linked to theoretical scientific research rather than practical applications.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Historically, entomology has been deeply integrated into human cultures, particularly concerning agriculture and practical applications such as pest management, biological control, and beekeeping, rather than solely theoretical research.

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Pliny the Elder, a Roman philosopher, wrote extensively about the classification and behavior of various insect types.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder is mentioned for his extensive writings on various kinds of insects in early natural history.

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The systematic, modern scientific study of insects began in the 18th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. The systematic and modern scientific study of insects, as distinct from earlier natural history observations, commenced in the 16th century.

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Jan Swammerdam's 'History of Insects' was significant for correctly describing insect reproductive organs and metamorphosis.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jan Swammerdam, utilizing microscopy, made significant contributions through his publication 'History of Insects,' where he accurately described insect reproductive organs and the process of metamorphosis.

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Maria Sibylla Merian's 1705 publication focused on European insects and their life cycles.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. In 1705, Maria Sibylla Merian published 'Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium,' a work detailing the tropical insects of Dutch Surinam, not European insects.

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The 'era of heroic entomology' was characterized by the establishment of professional university departments and rigorous field research.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. The 'era of heroic entomology' was characterized by the collection and exhibition of specimens, the formation of natural history societies, and the documentation of new species. Professional university departments and rigorous field research became more prominent in the subsequent 'era of economic entomology'.

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William Kirby is recognized as the father of entomology in England and co-authored a foundational text on the subject.

Answer: True

Explanation: William Kirby is widely regarded as the father of entomology in England. He co-authored 'Introduction to Entomology' with William Spence, a seminal work in the field.

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Vladimir Nabokov and E. O. Wilson are noted figures in entomology, with Wilson being a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vladimir Nabokov, renowned novelist, was also a dedicated entomologist. E. O. Wilson is a highly influential entomologist, known for his work on social insects and biodiversity, and is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner.

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Karl von Frisch received a Nobel Prize for his research on the genetics of insect populations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Karl von Frisch, an entomologist, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973, primarily for his groundbreaking research on decoding the language of bees, not insect population genetics.

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The historical practice of maintaining 'cabinets of curiosity' was a feature of the era of economic entomology.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. The practice of maintaining 'cabinets of curiosity' and forming natural history societies was characteristic of the earlier 'era of heroic entomology,' not the later 'era of economic entomology'.

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The scholar Ibn al-A'rabi wrote a significant book titled 'Kitab al-Dabab' concerning flies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The scholar Ibn al-A'rabi authored a notable work titled 'Kitab al-Dabab,' which focused on the study of flies.

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The modern scientific study of insects began in the 16th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The systematic and modern scientific study of insects, as distinct from earlier natural history observations, commenced in the 16th century.

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The growth of agriculture and colonial trade spurred the development of the era of economic entomology.

Answer: True

Explanation: The expansion of agriculture and global trade during the late 19th century was a primary driver for the emergence of the 'era of economic entomology,' which professionalized the field and linked it to academic institutions.

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The image caption 'Plate from Transactions of the Entomological Society, 1848' refers to a modern illustration of insect classification techniques.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. The caption 'Plate from Transactions of the Entomological Society, 1848' indicates a historical illustration from a specific publication dating back to 1848, not a modern technique.

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Which Roman philosopher is mentioned for writing about different kinds of insects in early history?

Answer: Pliny the Elder

Explanation: The Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder is mentioned for his extensive writings on various kinds of insects in early natural history.

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When did the scientific study of insects, in the modern sense, begin?

Answer: 16th century

Explanation: The systematic and modern scientific study of insects, as distinct from earlier natural history observations, commenced in the 16th century.

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What significant contribution did Jan Swammerdam make to entomology?

Answer: He correctly described insect reproductive organs and metamorphosis.

Explanation: Jan Swammerdam, utilizing microscopy, made significant contributions through his publication 'History of Insects,' where he accurately described insect reproductive organs and the process of metamorphosis.

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Maria Sibylla Merian's 1705 publication, 'Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium,' focused on what subject?

Answer: The tropical insects of Dutch Surinam.

Explanation: Maria Sibylla Merian's 1705 publication, 'Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium,' detailed the tropical insects of Dutch Surinam, including their life cycles and habitats.

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Which of the following characterized the 'era of heroic entomology'?

Answer: The practice of maintaining cabinets of curiosity and forming natural history societies.

Explanation: The 'era of heroic entomology' was characterized by the practice of maintaining cabinets of curiosity, the formation of natural history societies, and the documentation of new species, often involving global trade among collectors.

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Who is widely considered the father of entomology in England, and what foundational text did he co-author?

Answer: William Kirby, 'Introduction to Entomology'

Explanation: William Kirby is widely regarded as the father of entomology in England. He co-authored 'Introduction to Entomology' with William Spence, a seminal work in the field.

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What led to the rise of the 'era of economic entomology' in the late 19th century?

Answer: The growth of agriculture and colonial trade.

Explanation: The expansion of agriculture and colonial trade in the late 19th century was a primary driver for the emergence of the 'era of economic entomology,' which professionalized the field and linked it to academic institutions.

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Which of these individuals is recognized for significant contributions to entomology and is a Nobel laureate?

Answer: Karl von Frisch

Explanation: Karl von Frisch, an entomologist, was awarded the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking research, notably decoding the language of bees.

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What does the image caption 'Plate from Transactions of the Entomological Society, 1848' indicate?

Answer: A historical illustration from a specific entomological publication.

Explanation: The caption 'Plate from Transactions of the Entomological Society, 1848' indicates a historical illustration from a specific publication dating back to 1848, representing entomological research from that era.

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What is the significance of Karl von Frisch's Nobel Prize?

Answer: For decoding the language of bees.

Explanation: Karl von Frisch received the Nobel Prize for his significant research, most notably for decoding the complex communication system, or 'language,' of bees.

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What is the main characteristic of the 'era of heroic entomology' mentioned in the text?

Answer: Collection and exhibition of insect specimens.

Explanation: The main characteristic of the 'era of heroic entomology' was the collection and exhibition of insect specimens, alongside the formation of natural history societies and the documentation of new species.

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Subdisciplines and Specialized Fields of Entomology

Forensic entomology exclusively studies the life cycles of insects found on decomposing plant matter.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Forensic entomology is a specialized field that investigates insects found on corpses or at crime scenes to aid in legal investigations. It examines insect types, life cycles, and their relationship to decomposition, not exclusively plant matter.

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Medical entomology focuses on insects that impact human health and also includes the study of diseases affecting animals that can transfer to humans.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. Medical entomology is primarily concerned with insects and arthropods that affect human health, and it extends to veterinary entomology, which covers diseases in animals that are transmissible to humans.

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Coleopterology is the subdiscipline dedicated to the study of flies.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Coleopterology is the subdiscipline dedicated to the study of beetles. The study of flies is known as Dipterology.

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Dipterology is the scientific study of flies.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. Dipterology is the branch of entomology specifically concerned with the scientific study of flies, which includes gnats and mosquitoes.

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Odonatology is the scientific study of ants.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Odonatology is the scientific study of dragonflies and damselflies. The study of ants is known as Myrmecology.

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Hemipterology focuses on the study of moths and butterflies.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Hemipterology is the study of Hemiptera, commonly known as true bugs. The study of moths and butterflies is called Lepidopterology.

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Isopterology is the scientific study of termites.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. Isopterology is the specialized subdiscipline of entomology focused on the scientific study of termites.

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Melittology, also known as Apiology, is the scientific study of bees.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. Melittology, also referred to as Apiology, is the specialized branch of entomology dedicated to the scientific study of bees.

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Myrmecology is the subdiscipline of entomology focused on the study of beetles.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Myrmecology is the scientific study of ants. The study of beetles is known as Coleopterology.

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Orthopterology is the study of insects such as grasshoppers and crickets.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. Orthopterology is the entomological subdiscipline focused on the study of insects belonging to the order Orthoptera, which includes grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids.

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The study of dragonflies and damselflies is known as Vespology.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Vespology is the study of social wasps. The scientific study of dragonflies and damselflies is known as Odonatology.

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Medical entomology primarily studies insects that are beneficial to agriculture, such as pollinators.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Medical entomology focuses on insects and arthropods that negatively impact human health, often acting as vectors for diseases. The study of beneficial insects in agriculture falls under different branches of entomology.

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Lepidopterology is the study of beetles.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Lepidopterology is the scientific study of moths and butterflies. The study of beetles is known as Coleopterology.

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What is the main focus of forensic entomology?

Answer: Investigating insects found on corpses or at crime scenes.

Explanation: Forensic entomology is a specialized area of forensic science that investigates insects found on corpses or at crime scenes. Its findings can aid in determining time of death, location, and other crucial details for legal investigations.

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Medical entomology encompasses the study of insects that impact human health and also includes:

Answer: Veterinary entomology, concerning animal diseases transferable to humans.

Explanation: Medical entomology encompasses the study of insects and arthropods that impact human health. It also includes veterinary entomology, which addresses diseases affecting animals that can be transferred to humans.

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Which subdiscipline of entomology is dedicated to the study of beetles?

Answer: Coleopterology

Explanation: Coleopterology is the subdiscipline of entomology specifically dedicated to the scientific study of beetles.

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The study of flies, including gnats and mosquitoes, falls under which entomological subdiscipline?

Answer: Dipterology

Explanation: The scientific study of flies, which includes gnats and mosquitoes, falls under the subdiscipline known as Dipterology.

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What is the scientific study of bees known as?

Answer: Melittology (or Apiology)

Explanation: The scientific study of bees is known as Melittology, which is also commonly referred to as Apiology.

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Which of the following is the study of ants?

Answer: Myrmecology

Explanation: Myrmecology is the subdiscipline of entomology that focuses specifically on the scientific study of ants.

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Which subdiscipline studies dragonflies and damselflies?

Answer: Odonatology

Explanation: Odonatology is the scientific subdiscipline dedicated to the study of dragonflies and damselflies.

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What is the primary focus of medical entomology concerning disease vectors?

Answer: Their behavior, ecology, and epidemiology.

Explanation: The primary focus of medical entomology concerning disease vectors involves scientific research into their behavior, ecology, and epidemiology, as well as their impact on human health.

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Which of the following is NOT a subdiscipline of entomology mentioned in the text?

Answer: Ichthyology (fish)

Explanation: Ichthyology, the study of fish, is not a subdiscipline of entomology. Coleopterology (beetles), Myrmecology (ants), and Lepidopterology (moths and butterflies) are all recognized subdisciplines within entomology.

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Insect Diversity, Identification, and Modern Techniques

Over 1.3 million insect species have been formally described by entomologists to date.

Answer: True

Explanation: To date, entomology has formally described over 1.3 million species of insects. This number continues to grow as new species are discovered and cataloged.

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Identifying insect species is generally straightforward due to their distinct and easily observable characteristics.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Identifying insect species is often challenging for specialists due to the vast number of species and the subtle, sometimes microscopic, morphological features that differentiate them.

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Automated species identification systems are designed to simplify the complex task of insect identification.

Answer: True

Explanation: Automated species identification systems, such as Daisy and ABIS, are developed to assist entomologists in the challenging process of identifying insects, particularly given the immense diversity and subtle distinguishing features.

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The image caption 'Diversity of insects from different orders' implies the image shows various insects from multiple biological classifications.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. The caption 'Diversity of insects from different orders' indicates that the accompanying image displays a variety of insects representing multiple biological classifications, illustrating the broad diversity within the class Insecta.

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DNA barcoding was used to simultaneously describe 100 species belonging to the genus Trigonopterus.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. The caption 'These 100 Trigonopterus species were described simultaneously using DNA barcoding' confirms that DNA barcoding was employed as a modern technique to identify and describe a large number of species within the genus Trigonopterus concurrently.

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The five most speciose insect orders are Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Orthoptera.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. The five most speciose insect orders are Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera. Orthoptera, while a significant order, is not among the top five in terms of species diversity.

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Identifying insects to the species level is often simple due to the limited number of known species.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Identifying insects to the species level is frequently complex due to the vast number of species and the subtle, often microscopic, morphological differences that distinguish closely related taxa.

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The five most speciose insect orders are Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. The five insect orders with the greatest number of described species are Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants), Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera (flies), Hemiptera (true bugs, cicadas, aphids), and Lepidoptera (moths, butterflies).

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How many insect species have been described by entomology to date?

Answer: Over 1.3 million

Explanation: To date, entomology has formally described over 1.3 million species of insects. This number continues to grow as new species are discovered and cataloged.

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Why can identifying insect species be particularly challenging for specialists?

Answer: Subtle or microscopic features often distinguish closely related species.

Explanation: Identifying insects to genus or species is often difficult due to the vast number of species and the subtle, often microscopic, morphological features that distinguish them. This complexity requires specialized knowledge and tools.

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What is the primary function of automated species identification systems in entomology?

Answer: To assist in the difficult task of identifying insects.

Explanation: Automated species identification systems, such as Daisy and ABIS, are developed to assist entomologists in the challenging process of identifying insects, particularly given the immense diversity and subtle distinguishing features.

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The image caption 'These 100 Trigonopterus species were described simultaneously using DNA barcoding' highlights the role of which modern technique?

Answer: DNA barcoding for species identification.

Explanation: The caption highlights DNA barcoding as a modern technique employed in entomology for the efficient identification and description of species, as demonstrated by the simultaneous classification of 100 Trigonopterus species.

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Which of the following is NOT among the five most speciose insect orders mentioned in the text?

Answer: Orthoptera

Explanation: Orthoptera is not among the five most speciose insect orders listed. The five orders with the highest species diversity are Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera.

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What does the image caption 'Diversity of insects from different orders' suggest?

Answer: The image displays insects from various biological classifications.

Explanation: The caption 'Diversity of insects from different orders' suggests that the associated image showcases a variety of insects representing multiple biological classifications, illustrating the broad diversity within the class Insecta.

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Professional Entomology: Organizations and Certifications

The Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) program, established in 1994, requires an advanced academic degree like a PhD.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. The Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) program, established by the ESA in 1994, is primarily aimed at pest control professionals and does not require an advanced academic degree like a PhD. Such degrees are typically associated with the 'true entomologist' designation.

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Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) status requires passing two examinations and ongoing annual educational commitments.

Answer: True

Explanation: To achieve Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) status, individuals must pass two examinations, commit to a code of ethical behavior, and fulfill ongoing annual educational requirements.

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Entomological organizations primarily serve as repositories for insect specimens for research purposes.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. While some organizations may house collections, their primary role is to provide a framework for entomologists to connect, network, and share knowledge, rather than solely acting as specimen repositories.

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The Entomological Society of America, the Royal Entomological Society, and the Entomological Society of Canada are examples of entomological organizations.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. The Entomological Society of America, the Royal Entomological Society, and the Entomological Society of Canada are prominent examples of professional organizations dedicated to the field of entomology.

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Research collections in entomology are typically found in private homes and are used for personal display.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Major insect research collections are typically housed in institutions such as museums and universities, serving as vital resources for scientific research, identification, and biodiversity documentation, rather than being primarily for personal display in private homes.

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Public Health Entomology (PHE) certification requires an exam on arthropods that can spread diseases.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. To obtain Public Health Entomology (PHE) certification, candidates must pass an examination focusing on arthropods that are vectors for diseases, alongside adhering to an ethical code.

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Certified IPM Technicians (CITs) need extensive experience, typically over 10 years, in pest management.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is false. Certified IPM Technicians (CITs) typically require approximately 1 to 4 years of experience in pest management, not over 10 years, along with passing an exam and adhering to ethical standards.

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The Entomological Society of America offers a certification program called Board Certified Entomologist (BCE).

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is true. The Entomological Society of America (ESA) offers several professional certification programs, including the Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) designation, which requires rigorous examination and ongoing education.

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The Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) program, established by the ESA in 1994, is primarily aimed at which group?

Answer: Pest control professionals

Explanation: The Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) program, established by the Entomological Society of America (ESA) in 1994, is primarily designed for pest control professionals. It is distinct from academic qualifications typically required for 'true entomologists'.

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Which credential program offered by the Entomological Society of America requires passing an exam on arthropods that can spread diseases?

Answer: Public Health Entomology (PHE)

Explanation: The Public Health Entomology (PHE) certification program, offered by the Entomological Society of America, requires candidates to pass an exam focused on arthropods that transmit diseases, alongside an ethical commitment.

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What is the primary role of entomological organizations?

Answer: To provide a framework for entomologists to connect and network.

Explanation: The primary role of entomological organizations is to provide a framework for entomologists to connect, network, and collaborate, fostering the advancement of the field through shared knowledge and specialized groups.

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Where are major insect research collections typically housed?

Answer: Museums and universities

Explanation: Major insect research collections are typically housed in established institutions such as museums and universities, where they serve as vital resources for scientific research, identification, and the documentation of biodiversity.

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What are the requirements for Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) status?

Answer: Passing two exams, ethical commitment, and annual education.

Explanation: To achieve Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) status, individuals must pass two examinations, commit to a code of ethical behavior, and fulfill ongoing annual educational requirements.

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Which of these is a credential program offered by the Entomological Society of America, distinct from ACE and BCE?

Answer: Public Health Entomology (PHE)

Explanation: The Public Health Entomology (PHE) certification program is offered by the Entomological Society of America, distinct from the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) and Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) programs. It requires an exam on disease vectors and an ethical commitment.

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