In social insects, which castes are classified as non-reproductive?

In social insects, the classification of castes into reproductive and non-reproductive roles is essential for understanding their complex societies. The correct answer highlights that workers and soldiers are the non-reproductive castes. Workers are primarily responsible for tasks such as foraging for food, caring for the queen's offspring, nest maintenance, and overall colony management. Soldiers, while typically not involved in reproduction, defend the colony against threats and help maintain the structure and safety of the nest.

Queens are reproductive females responsible for laying eggs, and drone males are also reproductive as their primary function is to mate with queens to ensure the continuation of the colony. Therefore, recognizing the roles of workers and soldiers as non-reproductive is crucial in understanding the division of labor in social insect colonies, wherein cooperation among non-reproductive individuals is vital for the survival and success of the colony as a whole.