Based on the passage about ants, choose the option that correctly states what ants use their antennae for.

Introduction / Context:
This question comes from a passage that explains how ants live, communicate, and build their homes. One part of the passage specifically describes how ants use their antennae. Many students confuse the role of antennae with the role of chemicals called pheromones. Understanding exactly what the passage says about each is essential for answering accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The passage states that ants communicate by touching each other with their antennae.

It also explains that ants use chemicals called pheromones to leave scent trails for other ants.

No special mention is made of antennae being used for digging tunnels.

The question asks what antennae are used for according to the passage.

We must distinguish the function of antennae from the function of pheromones.

Concept / Approach:

Reading comprehension requires careful separation of similar looking ideas. In the passage, there are two distinct means of communication: physical contact using antennae and chemical signals using pheromones. Antennae are sensory organs that ants use to touch and detect signals from other ants, and this touching is described as a form of communication. While antennae do help ants sense their surroundings, the passage emphasises the communication function. Therefore, we must choose the option that best reflects the passage wording.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the exact sentence about antennae: ants communicate by touching each other with their antennae. Step 2: Examine option a: To leave a trail for other ants to follow. The passage attributes this function to pheromones, not antennae. Step 3: Examine option b: To communicate with each other. This matches the description that ants communicate through touching with antennae. Step 4: Examine option c: To find direction by looking at the sun. The passage does not mention this behaviour in connection with antennae. Step 5: Examine option d: To touch and sense their surroundings only. While antennae do have a sensory role, the passage stresses their role in communication, not only sensing surroundings. Step 6: Examine option e: To dig tunnels in the soil. The passage clearly attributes tunnel digging to the ants in general, not specifically to antennae. Step 7: Conclude that option b is the most accurate summary of the passage.

Verification / Alternative check:

Return to the relevant lines of the passage and read them again. The author carefully separates two methods: touching each other with antennae for communication and using pheromones to create scent trails. No other function is highlighted for antennae. Therefore, any option that mentions trail making or digging must be rejected as mixing up separate facts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option a wrongly assigns the function of leaving a trail to antennae instead of pheromones.

Option c introduces a new idea involving the sun that is not present in the passage.

Option d is incomplete, as it ignores the explicit statement that touching with antennae is a form of communication; it focuses only on sensing.

Option e connects antennae with digging, which has no basis in the passage.

Common Pitfalls:

Students often mix the details of pheromones and antennae because both appear in the same paragraph. They may choose an answer that sounds generally true about ants but is not actually stated in the text. The correct approach is to match each phrase in the options with the exact wording of the passage rather than relying on outside knowledge or guesses.

Final Answer:

According to the passage, ants use their antennae primarily to communicate with each other.