Insect Respiratory Systems and Eusociality

Flashcards covering key concepts in insect respiration, defensive strategies, eusociality, and group living.

Respiration in Aquatic Environments

The process of obtaining oxygen in water, which is harder due to slower diffusion and lower concentration compared to air.

Open Respiratory System

A type of respiratory system where spiracles are exposed to air, typically found in most insects.

Closed Respiratory System

A respiratory system where gas exchange occurs via cuticle or gills, such as in aquatic larvae.

Tracheal Gills

Respiratory structures found in mayflies allowing for gas exchange in water.

Plastrons

Adaptations in aquatic beetles that facilitate gas exchange by trapping an air bubble.

Siphons

An extension in certain aquatic insects that aids in respiration by drawing air from the surface.

Phasmatodea

A scientific order of insects known for their use of camouflage and mimicry as defensive strategies.

Dermaptera

An order of insects characterized by the use of forceps cerci and maternal care for defense.

Coleoptera

An order of insects that uses chemical defenses and elytra (hardened forewings) for protection.

Isoptera (Soldier caste)

A group within Isoptera where soldiers possess enlarged mandibles or utilize chemical sprays as defense.

Eusociality

A social structure characterized by cooperative brood care, reproductive division of labor, and overlapping generations.

Cooperative Brood Care

A requirement for eusociality where members of the colony care for the offspring together.

Reproductive Division of Labor

A characteristic of eusocial species where not all individuals reproduce, leading to specialized roles.

Overlapping Generations

A feature of eusocial societies where multiple generations coexist, enhancing cooperation.

Hymenoptera

An insect order including ants, bees, and wasps that exhibits eusocial behavior.

Isoptera

An insect order that includes termites, some of which display eusocial behavior.

Haplodiploidy

A genetic system where males are haploid and females are diploid, increasing genetic relatedness among sisters.

Genetic Relatedness in Eusociality

Haplodiploidy increases relatedness among sisters to 75%, facilitating cooperation.

Elytra

The hardened forewings of beetles that provide protection and aid in their success as a group.

Larval Herbivory

The behavior of larvae feeding on plants, which contributes to the success of Lepidoptera.

Adult Dispersal

The ability of adult insects to move away and colonize new areas, important for Lepidoptera.

Efficient Flight (Halteres)

An adaptation in Diptera that allows for improved flight capabilities.

Parasitoids

Organisms that develop in or on a host, often leading to the host's death; associated with Hymenoptera.

Group Living

Living in social units can have costs and benefits, influencing the survival of species.

Costs of Group Living

Include competition for resources, disease transmission, and predation risk.

Benefits of Group Living

May include predator defense, environmental stability, kin selection, and inclusive fitness.

Social Group Types

Includes aggregations (extrinsic), subsocial (intrinsic + extrinsic), communal nesting (intrinsic), and eusocial (intrinsic + extrinsic).