Question

When bitten by an ant, the sting causes irritation due to the presence of

• A. a base in the sting.
• B. formic acid in the sting.
• C. poisonous chemicals.
• D. Both (1) and (2)

Answer 1

The correct option is B

formic acid in the sting.

The explanation for the correct option (B):

• Many animals and plants protect themselves from their predators by injecting painful and irritating acids and bases into them.
• When an ant bites a person, it injects an acidic liquid into the skin which causes burning pain and irritation. The acidic liquid present in the sting is Formic acid (HCOOH).

Final Answer: Hence, option (B) is correct. When bitten by an ant, the sting causes irritation due to the presence of Formic acid in the sting.