Key Concepts on Insect Physiology and Development

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the physiological development of insects and their dietary needs.

What is the importance of dietary protein in post-embryonic development in insects?

It is important for molting and reproduction, and high-quality protein increases developmental and reproduction rates.

What effect do reduced methionine amino acids have on insects?

They can extend life spans.

What is Vitellogenin?

Vitellogenin is a protein constituent of yolk in insect eggs.

What are the three modes of post-embryonic development in insects?

Ametabolous, hemimetabolous, and holometabolous development.

Describe ametabolous development in insects.

Ametabolous development involves a nymph that hatches from the egg looking like a miniature adult and molting several times as it grows.

How does holometabolous development differ from the other types of development?

Holometabolous development includes a larva that does not look like the adult and goes through metamorphosis after becoming a pupa.

What is the significance of the scientific method in research related to dietary compositions in insects?

Diets with amino acid compositions matched to vitellogenin support post-embryonic development, while dissimilar compositions slow development.

What are the clades within Insecta?

Wingless insects, Palaeoptera, Polyneoptera, Paraneoptera, and Holometabola.

What distinguishes Hexapoda from other arthropods?

Hexapoda features segmented bodies with jointed legs and includes insects.

What is meant by 'ectognathus' mouthparts?

Ectognathus mouthparts are those that are exposed and not retracted into the head capsule.