Gas exchange in insects

What is the main function of the gas exchange system in insects?

• To facilitate the movement of the insect

• To support the insect's exoskeleton

• To transport nutrients throughout the body

• To provide oxygen directly to cells

What are spiracles in the context of insect anatomy?

• Muscles that aid in movement

• Small openings for gas exchange

• Tubes that transport nutrients

• Fluid-filled sacs for oxygen storage

What prevents the trachea in insects from collapsing?

• A layer of muscle

• Spirals of chitin

• A coating of tracheal fluid

• C-shaped cartilage

How do tracheoles differ from trachea in insects?

• Tracheoles transport nutrients, not gases

• Tracheoles are wider than trachea

• Tracheoles are supported by chitin, unlike trachea

• Tracheoles have a much narrower diameter than trachea

What is the role of tracheal fluid in the insect's gas exchange system?

• To provide structural support to tracheoles

• To store excess carbon dioxide

• To facilitate the diffusion of gases

• To transport oxygen throughout the body

Why do insects tend to be small in size?

• To enhance their ability to fly

• To minimize water loss through spiracles

• To reduce the distance for diffusion of gases

• To increase the efficiency of their exoskeleton

How can insects control gas exchange through their gas exchange system?

• By increasing the number of spiracles

• By reducing the number of tracheoles

• By expanding their trachea

• By closing their spiracles

What is the significance of the large surface area of tracheoles in insects?

• It allows for rapid diffusion of gases

• It increases nutrient transport

• It stores more tracheal fluid

• It supports the exoskeleton

What mechanism do some insects use to increase the rate of gas exchange?

• • Contracting muscles to change the volume of the thorax and abdomen

• • Expanding the number of spiracles

• • Decreasing the diameter of tracheoles

• • Increasing the production of tracheal fluid

What is the primary component of the insect's exoskeleton?

• • Calcium carbonate

• • Silica

• • Chitin

• • Cartilage