Morphologically, what structure is the wasp's stinger considered to be a modification of?
Answer
A modified ovipositor
The stinger apparatus, which is exclusively found in the female caste of wasps, is not a completely novel structure but rather a specialized derivative of existing insect anatomy. Specifically, the stinger is recognized as a modified ovipositor, the organ females use for laying eggs. In wasps, this structure has been adapted primarily for offensive and defensive roles. Beyond defense against threats, this modified organ is also employed by many predatory species to inject venom, effectively paralyzing prey items such as spiders or caterpillars before they are transported back to the nest to provision the developing larvae.
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