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Larger spaces of the vegetation and ground are likely to provide foraging sites that are easier to defend.

This suggests that the larger spaces in vegetation and ground are advantageous for social insects, allowing them to establish territories that can be more effectively defended against rivals.

A) likely to provide foraging sites that are easier to defend

This option is correct as the extract indicates that social insects, like ants, have displaced solitary insects from favored nesting and foraging sites, implying that these larger spaces are indeed easier to defend.

B) typically dominated by grasshoppers and beetles

This option is incorrect because the passage states that social insects have managed to displace solitary insects such as grasshoppers and beetles from preferred sites, indicating that these larger spaces are not typically dominated by them.

C) likely to have fewer nesting sites

This option is incorrect as the passage does not address the number of nesting sites in relation to larger spaces. Instead, it emphasizes that social insects take territorial possession of these areas.

D) unlikely to be populated by insects that live in colonies

This option is incorrect because the passage clearly states that social insects, which live in colonies, are the ones that occupy larger spaces, contradicting the idea that these areas would be devoid of colony-living insects.

E) populated by equal numbers of social and solitary insects

This option is incorrect as the passage suggests a clear dominance of social insects in larger spaces, implying that they are not populated by equal numbers of social and solitary insects.

Conclusion

The correct answer, A, is supported by the passage's explanation of how social insects have established dominance in larger spaces, making them easier to defend. All other options fail to align with the text's implications regarding the competitive advantage of social insects over solitary species in these environments.