Gas Exchange in Insects

Question 1

describe the internal structure of terrestrial insects

Answer 1

they have an exoskeleton > made of hard fibrous material for protection
they have a lipid layer > prevents water loss
tracheal system instead of lungs

Question 2

what is meant by terrestrial insects

Answer 2

insects that live on land

Question 3

what are the advantages of adaptations of insects to prevent water loss

Answer 3

• small SA:V ratio where water evaporates from
• waterproof exoskeleton (lipid layer)
• spiracles can open and close

Question 4

what are spiracles

Answer 4

where gases enter and water evaporates in an insect

Question 5

what are the three main structures in the insect tracheal system

Answer 5

trachea
tracheoles
spiralces

Question 6

describe a spiracle

Answer 6

round, valve like openings that run along the length of the abdomen

Question 7

what is the trachea

Answer 7

a network of internal tubes

Question 8

what do trachea contain within them to strengthen and keep the tubes open

Answer 8

rings

Question 9

what do the trachea branch off into

Answer 9

tracheoles

Question 10

whats the function of the tracheoles

Answer 10

to further extend into the abdomen to deliver oxygen to all respiring cells

Question 11

what are the three methods by which gases can move in the tracheal system

Answer 11

diffusion
mass transport
when insect is flying and cells respire anaerobically