Which member of the termite caste system develops under certain conditions, like the death of the queen?

In a termite colony, the caste system is essential for its organization and survival. The correct response highlights the role of secondary reproductives, which can develop under specific circumstances, particularly when the queen is no longer present, such as through death or illness.

Secondary reproductives are typically individuals that emerge from the worker caste, and they take on reproductive roles to ensure the continuation of the colony's lineage. Their development is indeed a vital survival mechanism, allowing the colony to adapt and maintain its population levels even in the face of challenges that threaten the primary queen's existence.

This phenomenon reflects the remarkable adaptability of termites, showcasing the intricate social structure of their colonies where flexibility and roles can shift to respond to changing environmental pressures. In contrast, the other castes—workers and soldiers—have fixed roles primarily centered around foraging, caring for the young, and defending the colony, respectively. Subordinate reproductives may also contribute to reproduction but operate under the direct hierarchy established by the queen and do not adapt to the same extent as secondary reproductives do in response to her absence.