[Campbell Biology P.1055] A scientist is developing a new insecticide that targets the corpor... | Practice Question

A scientist is developing a new insecticide that targets the corpora allata, causing it to continuously secrete very high levels of Juvenile Hormone JH in a mosquito larva. Based on the information provided, what would be the most likely outcome for the mosquito's development?

  • A: The larva would immediately transform into an adult moth.
  • B: The larva would fail to molt and die due to an inability to shed its exoskeleton.
  • C: The larva would undergo continuous molts, remaining in an immature larval stage indefinitely, without pupating.
  • D: The larva would transform into a pupa at the next molt.
  • E: The larva's brain would stop producing PTTH.

Explanation

The text and Figure 45.12 state that high concentrations of Juvenile Hormone JH suppress metamorphosis, leading to continued larval stages despite molting. If JH levels remain continuously high, the larva would keep molting into larger larval stages but never transition to a pupa or adult.