Insects

• What is the main component of the insect cuticle?

  Chitin
• How does chitin affect gas exchange in insects?

  It makes the cuticle impermeable, restricting gas exchange
• What role does chitin play in the trachea of insects?

  It provides support and prevents collapse
• Where does gas exchange take place in insects?

  In the tracheoles
• What is the significance of tracheal fluid in tracheoles?

  It increases the surface area for gas exchange
• What are spiracles in insects?

  They are openings that allow air to enter the tracheal system
• How do insects deal with high oxygen demands?

  By drawing tracheal fluid from tracheoles to increase surface area
• Which insects have high energy demands?

  Bees, wasps, and flies
• What is mechanical ventilation in insects?

  It is the muscular pumping of the thorax and abdomen to change pressure
• What are collapsible trachea or air sacs used for in insects?

  They are inflated and deflated by movements of the thorax and abdomen
• What are the methods insects use to meet high oxygen demands?

  • Mechanical ventilation: muscular pumping of thorax and abdomen
  • Collapsible trachea or air sacs: inflated and deflated by thorax and abdomen movements