BIOL 127 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Integumentary System, Niche Differentiation, Desiccation
Document Summary
January 8th, 2018: during the coniferous period, there were major diversification of homoanalogous insects, homoanalogous is complete metamorphesis like with the butterflies and beetles. Insects originated early than previously thought: factors that contributed to the radiation of the insects, exoskeletal integumentary system: Typically the flight muscle has a direct contact with the atmosphere. Depauperate: not many species in those flightless groups. Very successful adaptation in insects: avoid predators, move along habitats, generate displays and attract mates (i. e. butterflies), etc: metamorphosis. One life stage that lives differently from another life stage (different life stages occupy different niches) Reduce confrontation in a specific species, different habitats: small size. Disadvantages: easily eaten, adhesive forces could be problematic (surface tension different for small insects vs. large animals or humans, desiccation (insects faced with need to acquire or retain water. Characteristics: ectothermic: adjust their body temperature based off of their surroundings. Body temperature is a function of the environment they find themselves in!
