Insects

Question 1

Metamorphosis

Answer 1

• Shape change in post embryonic development

- Separate growth from reproductive stages

Question 2

Feeding strategies

Answer 2

-ability to exploit highly specific resources e.g saprophages (scavenging decaying material)

Question 3

Sophisticated behaviour

Answer 3

censory and neuro-motor systems
response to environmental stimuli
complex patterns developed

Question 4

Small size

Answer 4

more room, +ve = loss of water more rapid/heat
power/weight ratio =high
surface area/volume ratio

Question 5

Strength due to

Answer 5

Chitin - physically tough and chemically resistant

Question 6

Wings

Answer 6

Ability to escape earthbound predators/ unsuitable habitats

Question 7

Life Cycles

Answer 7

Rapid, fecundity - short generation time

Question 8

Forensic Entomology

Answer 8

Able to estimate time of death or post mortem interval (PMI) from insects present

Question 9

Succession: first 3 months

Answer 9

Blow flies (feed on liquefied food) -use chemical detection

Question 10

Succession: 3-6months

Answer 10

Dermestid beetles (fats are rancid)

Question 11

Succession: 4-8months

Answer 11

various flies and beetles (Ammonia and fermentation)

Question 12

Succession: 6-12months

Answer 12

Mites

Question 13

Succession: 1-3 years

Answer 13

Dermestid beetles (corpse completely dry)

Question 14

Succession: 3+years

Answer 14

Beetles

Question 15

Insect succession extremely variable depending on conditions

Answer 15

-Larvae grown and hatched to identify exact species
-some preserved in exact state
-

Question 16

summary

Answer 16

• found in nearly every habitat
• eat almost anything
• behave in complex manners
• can fly
• rapid life cycle and short generation time

Question 17

forensic entomology

Answer 17

• insects accumulate on and around a body

- able to estimate time of death or post mortem interval (PMI) from insects present