Insects Flashcards
How do tiny insects breathe?
Have a large SA: vol ratio so diffusion through their outer surface may be sufficient.
How do medium insects breathe?
Need an exchange system in order to carry out sufficient gas exchange.
How do large insects breathe?
Need a gas exchange system and a method of ventilating it to carry out sufficient gas exchange.
What are the main features of an Insect?
-Exoskeleton
-Trachea
-Tracheoles
-Spiracle
-Muscle
-Head
-Thorax
-Abdomen
What is the Exoskeleton made out of?
Made of chitin
What do the Trachea (e) do?
Spirals of chitin for support
Why are there many tracheoles?
To increase SA and tilled with tracheole fluid.
What do the spiracles do?
Air in and out.
What is the function of the exoskeleton?
Protection and Water Retention
What is the exchange system in insects called?
Tracheal System
What is the name of the fluid found at the end of the tracheoles?
Tracheal Fluid
What causes this fluid to leave the tracheoles and seep into the body?
When insect is active, draw fluid out of tracheoles into body.
What effect does this have on the tracheoles?
Lowers the pressure which draws in more air through spiracles.
What are air sacs?
Swellings of the airway.
How do flight muscles help to increase ventilation during activity?
-Can alter the volume of the insect thorax to help ventilate the tracheal system.
-Squeeze air sacs, forcing air in and out
