Hexapoda: the Megadiverse Orders Flashcards

1
Q

Lepidoptera

A

Butterflies & Moths

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2
Q

Why did all 4 groups of Lepidoptera massively diversify around 150-100 MYA ?

A

Radiation of Lepidoptera tracks diversification of Angiosperms (flowering plants)
Also true for flower-visiting Hymenoptera (bees) & Diptera (e.g. hoverflies), and the phytophagous (plant-eating) Coleoptera

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3
Q

Why did the diversification of Angiosperms lead to super-radiation of insects?

A

Angiosperms tend to be more palatable (especially in terms of physical protection) than earlier plants (cycads, tree ferns, conifers etc)
Insects evolved to eat soft plants; angiosperms invested in chemical defences, leading to coevolution in chemical arms races
Evolution of flowers led to coevolution and radiation in pollinators

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4
Q

Features of Adult Lepidoptera

A

Two pairs of wings covered in scales (Lepidoptera = ‘Scale wing’)
Mouthparts in form of coiled proboscis, which can be extended when feeding - usually on nectar

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5
Q

Did bats drive evolution of anti-bat defences in moths?

A

Evasive flight action in response to hearing calls
Advertising their toxicity – Acoustic Aposematism
Sonar “Jamming”
Acoustic Deflection

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6
Q

Lepidoptera patterns and colouring why?

A

Camouflage
Predator Deterrence
Aposematism (Warning Colouration)
Müllerian Mimicry Rings
Batesian Mimicry
Migration

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7
Q

Order Lepidoptera

A

Herbivorous specialists
Wings covered by pigmented scales.
Mouthparts are modified into coiled proboscis
Holometabolous
Aposematism & mimicry common

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8
Q

Angiosperms

A

A plant of a large group that comprises those that have flowers and produce seeds enclosed within a carpel

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