Midterm review #1

Review Session for Midterm Exam

• Overview

  • Scheduled for tomorrow, the seventeenth.

  • Location: Same as usual.

  • Items to bring: A pencil and an eraser.

  • Test format:

  • Tests will have instructions and a separate section on paper for answering.

  • Test mode will be using a Scantron for bubbling answers.

• Exam Details

  • Total number of questions: 40

  • Coverage:

  • Topics:

    • Introduction to insects

    • External anatomy

    • Respiration

    • Circulation

    • Reproduction

    • Nervous system

    • Growth and metamorphosis

    • Evolution and classification of insects

  • Suggested study material: Review terms PDF recommended for preparation.

Jeopardy Game Format

• Gameplay Introduction

  • The game will have groups answering questions for points.

  • Points awarded for participation with candy prizes for the winning group.

  • Attendance will be noted at the beginning of the session.

• Structure of Jeopardy Game

  • Total Topics: 5

  • Number of questions per topic: 5

  • Final segment: Final Jeopardy question around 8:45 PM.

• Gameplay Mechanics

  • Questions will be worth differing points; some will allow for bonus points.

  • Players will be encouraged to talk amongst themselves briefly before answering.

  • The instructor will facilitate equitable participation by rotating question opportunities among groups.

Sample Questions and Answers

• Classification Evolution for 200 Points

  • Question: What domain do insects belong to?

  • Answer: Eukaryote.

  • Explanation: Insects are categorized within the domain of Eukaryota, characterized by cells with a nucleus.

• Silk Production for 200 Points

  • Question: What gland produces silk stock and what is its purpose?

  • Answer: Accessory glands.

  • Explanation: The silk produced protects the eggs during birth, preventing sibling predation.

• Growth and Molting for 100 Points

  • Question: Why do insects have to molt?

  • Answer: Insects molt because their exoskeleton does not grow with them—they need to shed their old exoskeleton to allow for growth.

• Anatomy for 200 Points

  • Question: What is at least one purpose of the Cerci?

  • Answer: Cerci exist for sensory perception, combat among males, or to aid in reproduction.

  • Specific example: In earwigs, they can be used for grasping females during copulation.

• Metamorphosis Hormones for 300 Points

  • Question: Name the two main hormones involved in metamorphosis and their functions.

  • Answer:

  • 1st Hormone: Ecdysone

    • Function: Signals molting process.

  • 2nd Hormone: Juvenile hormone

    • Function: Regulates the type of molt—if it's high, it results in instar to instar (staying in juvenile form), and if it's low, it allows for transformation to the adult stage.

• Parts of Insect Brain for 200 Points

  • Question: What are the three parts of the insect brain?

  • Answer:

  • Protocerebrum (related to vision/processing),

  • Deutocerebrum (related to antennae),

  • Tritocerebrum (related to mouthparts/sensory).

• Primary Structures of Alimentary Canal

  • Answer: Foregut, midgut, hindgut.

  • Understanding structural organization is important for digestion and nutrient absorption in insects.

Attributes of Phylum Arthropoda

• Key Features of Arthropods

  • Bilateral symmetry: Body can be divided into two equal halves.

  • Exoskeleton: Hard outer structure provides protection and support.

  • Segmented body parts: Body divided into functional segments known as tagma.

  • Open circulatory system: Blood is not confined to vessels, allowing for a rapid distribution of nutrients throughout the body.

Success Factors of Insects

• Reasons for Insect Success

  1. Ability to fly: Facilitates escape from predators and finding new resources.

  2. Small size: Allows for adaptation to various environments and niches.

  3. Rapid reproduction: High reproductive rates contribute to successful colonization.

  4. Metamorphosis: Diverse life stages allow for exploitation of different ecological niches.

  5. Exoskeleton durability: Provides physical protection, prevents desiccation.

  6. Specialized appendages: Various forms for tasks such as locomotion or feeding.

  7. Social behavior: Many insects exhibit complex societies (e.g., bees, ants).

  8. Species isolation: Allowing for a greater range of adaptations within populations.

• Definitions:

  • Holometabolism: Complete metamorphosis with distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages.

  • Hemimetabolism: Incomplete metamorphosis with gradual changes, often referred to as nymphs before reaching adulthood.