The Ultimate Figs and Baby Wasps Quiz
When you were a kid and your pal told you that fig bars were filled with crushed baby wasps, you probably squirmed and squealed, but didn't believe him. Well, now you have a real reason to be squeamish -- your friend may not have been so far off! Take this quiz and learn more about figs and baby wasps.
Question 2 of 16
What is the arrangement between a fig wasp and a fig called?
... A fig needs a fig wasp to pollinate it and a fig wasp needs a fig for shelter and nutrition. This mutually beneficial relationship is called mutualism.
Question 3 of 16
What goal do the fig wasp and fig share?
... The fig and fig wasp share the same goal: reproduction. The fig needs a way to share its pollen and the wasp needs a place to lay its eggs.
Question 4 of 16
What is the scientific name for what we know as a fig?
... The structure that we call a fig is scientifically known as a syconium. It is more like a flower than a fruit, with its reproductive organs hidden inside.
Question 5 of 16
Through what does the female fig wasp reach the center of the syconium?
... The female fig wasp reaches the center of the syconium through a narrow passage called the ostiole. It is so narrow, she loses her antennae and wings during the trek inside.
Question 6 of 16
What is a male fig called?
... There are two kinds of figs: male caprifigs and female edible figs.
Question 7 of 16
In which fig is the female wasp able to lay eggs?
... The female wasp is able to lay eggs inside the male caprifigs. The male flower parts are perfect for her to lay her eggs on.
Question 8 of 16
What do male fig wasps spend their lives doing?
... Male fig wasps are blind and wingless. They spend their lives digging tunnels through the figs so that the females can escape.
Question 9 of 16
What do escaped female fig wasps do?
... Female fig wasps escape from one fig in search of a new fig, carrying precious pollen with them, which they transfer to the new fig.
Question 10 of 16
What happens when a female fig lands on an edible fig?
... When a female fig lands on an edible fig, she usually dies of starvation or exhaustion. Her efforts are not in vain, though, because she still provides the fig with that precious commodity: pollen.
Question 11 of 16
What part of the female edible fig prevents the female wasp from laying her eggs?
... The stylus prevents a female fig wasp from laying her eggs. Edible figs usually contain at least one dead female fig wasp.
Question 12 of 16
What breaks down the female wasp's carcass?
... An enzyme called ficin breaks down a female wasps' carcass so that it becomes part of the ripened fruit.
Question 13 of 16
What are the crunchy black parts inside a fig?
... The crunchy black parts inside a fig are its seeds, not the remnants of a fig wasp or their eggs and larvae.
Question 14 of 16
How to farmers prevent overpopulation of a fig plant?
... Farmers try to prevent overpopulation of the fig plant by separating male and female fig plants over great distances. They may also supply a controlled number of wasps.
Question 15 of 16
How many fruit fly eggs is tomato ketchup allowed to contain?
... To receive the highest USD grade possible, tomato ketchup is allowed up to 30 fruit fly eggs per 3.5 ounces (100 grams).
Question 16 of 16
What is the practice of eating bugs and worms called?
... The tradition of eating bugs and warms is called entomography. Scientists say this is a very ecologically sustainable source of food.
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