Scout Ahead https://www.scoutahead.org/plans/insect-study-merit-badge/questions

Which of this applies to you?

Answering these takes the parts that are not for you out of Insect Study Merit Badge. Nothing is required, nothing is kept on the server, and nothing is ever hidden because a question went unanswered. A step that might apply to you stays on the list and is marked.

Requirement 5(b): ants or bees?

The badge says do ONE of the following. If you are allergic to bee stings, it says to pick option (1), the ant colony.

Requirement 9: which part?

The badge says do ONE of the following, under the heading Careers and Hobbies. As published, 9(b) repeats the text of 9(a) word for word, so both are three career opportunities with one researched. Ask your counselor how they read 9(b).