L1 Intro Flashcards
How long have insects existed
350 million years
How many known species are there
1 million
How many unknown species are there
10 million
What are the first two secrets to insect success
Small size and fast reproduction
How does small size create success
Reduce resource required and effect of gravity,
Predator avoidance
What factor limits insect size
Rate of oxygen diffusion
What happened to the size of insects during the existence of the dinosaurs and why
High oxygen atmosphere led to insects growing much larger than those that exist today
Is the proportional body mass of insects high or low
High
How does fast reproduction lead to success in insects
High rate of evolution,
Adapt to new conditions
What is fecundity like in insects and what does this mean
High fecundity = females produce high number of eggs
What is fertility like in insects and what does this mean
High fertility = most of the eggs survive
Give some examples of ecosystem services in insects
Plant propagation,
Pollination,
Nutrient cycling,
Maintenance of plant community structure
Maintenance of animal community structure
What does it mean to be a keystone species
Loss of the species collapses the ecosystem
Give an example of an insect that controls potential dominants
Parasitic wasp
Give an example for insects being resource providers
Symbiotic bacteria in termites break down cellulose
Pollinators
