Gas Exchange in Single - Celled Organisms + Insects 2 Flashcards
How do gases enter and leave the tracheal system in insects?
Through tiny pores called spiracles in the body surfaces
What controls the opening and closing of spiracles?
Valves that can open and close the spiracles
Why do insects keep their spiracles closed most of the time?
To prevent water loss by evaporation
Why do insects periodically open their spiracles?
To allow gas exchange for respiration
Why is the tracheal system an efficient method of gas exchange in insects?
It delivers oxygen directly to cells and maintains a short diffusion pathway for rapid gas exchange
What is a limitation of the tracheal system?
It relies mostly on diffusion, which requires a short diffusion. pathway
Why are insects small in size?
The length of the diffusion pathway limits the size they can attain, as diffusion alone cannot support large bodies
