Which of the following combination of chromosome numbers represents the correct sex determination pattern in honey bees?

Options

A. Male 32, Female 16
B. Male 16, Female 32
C. Male 31, Female 32
D. Female 32, Male 31

Answer

B

Explanation

Sex-determination in honey bee is based on the number of sets of chromosomes an individual receives.
A female (queen or worker) develops when fusion of a sperm and an egg takes place, whereas a male (drones) develops from an unfertilized egg through the process of parthenogenesis. As a result, the males have half number of chromosomes than that of a female. The females are diploid carrying 32 chromosomes while the males are haploid with 16 chromosomes. This is called haplo diploid sex- determination system.