From the passage about ants, choose the option that correctly states what Western Harvester ants do during winter.

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on a specific detail from the passage about the behaviour of Western Harvester ants. The passage describes how different ant species build their homes and survive harsh weather. Western Harvester ants are noted for building a small mound on top and tunnelling deep down to hibernate during winter. Remembering this exact description is essential for answering correctly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The passage states that Western Harvester ants make a small mound on top.

It further explains that they then dig tunnels up to fifteen feet straight down.

The purpose of these tunnels is to hibernate during winter.

Other ants in the passage have different behaviours, such as travelling in large groups or living in wood.

The question asks specifically what Western Harvester ants do in winter.

Concept / Approach:

Reading comprehension questions of this type test detailed recall rather than general ideas. The key words here are Western Harvester, tunnels up to fifteen feet, and hibernate during winter. The correct option must combine the depth of tunnels and the act of hibernating. Options that focus on travel, migration, or building many different homes confuse Western Harvester ants with other species described in the passage, such as army ants.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the relevant sentence: Western Harvester ants make a small mound on top, but then tunnels up to fifteen feet straight down to hibernate during winter. Step 2: Examine option a: They travel continuously in search of food. This behaviour describes army ants, not Western Harvester ants. Step 3: Examine option b: They build many different types of homes. The passage generally states that ants build many types of homes, but this is not specifically their winter activity. Step 4: Examine option c: They hibernate in deep tunnels below the ground. This matches the idea of tunnels up to fifteen feet deep used for hibernation. Step 5: Examine option d: They search for new colonies to attack. This is not mentioned in the passage for Western Harvester ants. Step 6: Examine option e: They fly to warmer countries for the season. The passage does not mention migration or flying to other countries. Step 7: Conclude that option c is the only option that accurately summarises the passage.

Verification / Alternative check:

Re reading the section on Western Harvester ants confirms that their notable feature is a small mound on the surface and deep vertical tunnels for winter hibernation. No other species in the passage is associated with this specific behaviour. The question asks what they do in winter, and the passage directly answers this by mentioning hibernation in deep tunnels.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option a repeats information related to army ants, which do not build permanent homes and travel in large groups searching for food.

Option b states a general fact about ants building different homes but does not describe their winter behaviour.

Option d introduces attacking new colonies, which is never mentioned in the passage.

Option e suggests seasonal migration like birds, which the passage does not attribute to ants.

Common Pitfalls:

Students often pick options that sound plausible based on general knowledge, rather than strictly following the text. For example, they may know that some animals migrate in winter and therefore choose an option mentioning travel. However, in reading comprehension, the safest strategy is always to base your choice strictly on what is written in the passage, not on outside knowledge or assumptions.

Final Answer:

According to the passage, Western Harvester ants hibernate in deep tunnels below the ground during winter.