Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of social insects?

Social insects are known for a variety of distinct characteristics that contribute to their complex social structures. One of the fundamental traits of social insects is the division of labor, where different individuals specialize in various roles to enhance the efficiency and survival of the colony. This includes tasks such as foraging, nursing the young, and maintaining the nest.

Cooperative brood care is another key feature, with members of the colony working together to care for the eggs and larvae, promoting the overall reproductive success of the group. Additionally, social insects often exhibit colony defense mechanisms, where individuals will protect the colony against predators or threats, ensuring the safety and survival of their collective group.

In contrast, the ability to live independently is not a characteristic of social insects. While some individuals in a social insect colony might be capable of surviving alone for short periods, the defining nature of these insects is their interdependence within the colony. They rely on one another for survival and reproduction, and their social behaviors are geared towards the well-being of the group rather than individual autonomy.