Question

If saccharine, an artificial sweetener which is 70 times sweeter than sugar, is kept in the open, which one of these insects will it attract first

• A. ants
• B. bees
• C. house-flies
• D. none of the above

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand the question
The question is about saccharin, an artificial sweetener that is around 70 times sweeter than sugar. It asks which insect will be attracted to saccharin if it is left in the open.

Step 2: Properties of saccharin
Saccharin is chemically different from natural sugar (sucrose). Although it tastes extremely sweet to humans, it does not contain the carbohydrates or nutrients that insects detect and seek. Insects like ants, bees, and flies are attracted to natural sugars because they provide energy in the form of carbohydrates. Artificial sweeteners, however, do not appeal to them in the same way.

Step 3: Insects’ response
Studies and observations have shown that insects generally do not respond to artificial sweeteners like saccharin the way humans do. They do not perceive it as a source of food or energy, so they ignore it. Therefore, saccharin placed in the open will not attract insects such as ants, bees, or flies.

Step 4: Final justification
Since saccharin does not attract insects, the correct option is that none of the insects listed will be attracted to it.

Final Answer: The correct option is (D) none of the above.