UPSC Prelims 1999·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

When ants bite, they inject

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. Aglacial acetic acid
  2. Bmethanol
  3. Cformic acidCorrect
  4. Dstearic acid

Explanation

The correct answer is C because ants inject formic acid into the skin when they bite or sting as a defense mechanism. Formic acid is a simple carboxylic acid with the chemical formula HCOOH. The presence of this acid is what causes the sharp pain, redness, and itching sensation associated with an ant bite. The name formic acid is derived from the Latin word formica, which means ant.
science-and-technology: When ants bite, they inject

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