Insects+and+Relatives

 Insects make up a large category in the animal kingdom. They are organisms whose bodies are divided into segments: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. They also have jointed appendages, such as legs, and have an exoskeleton. The external skeleton is an outer covering that is very rough, and helps protect the insect, and serves as support for their structure as well. Not all exoskeletons are the same; the internal structures of such may differ in order to meet the organism’s needs of adaptation,  and in other cases may limit insects survival. In the thoracic region, three pairs of legs are attached. All insects have one pair of antennae as a well as a pair of wings. For respiration, insects have tracheal tubes, which are spread throughout the body and transport oxygen particles through the insect’s body, allowing it to respire.

 Insects may develop very differently from each other. They undergo a process called metamorphosis, which is a process in their developmental cycle in which they change their shapes and forms. There are two types of metamorphosis, complete and incomplete metamorphosis. Incomplete metamorphosis describes the developmental process of insects whose immature, or early look, resemble those of their adult form greatly. The immature forms of these insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis have several not functional structures, such as wings, or sexual organs. However, as they grow, they start to develop and acquire the complete functional structures. In the first stages of their developmental cycle, their immature form is referred to as nymphs. Throughout their whole life cycle, insects that develop through incomplete metamorphosis have similar appearances in all of their growth stages. Examples of these types of insects are chinch bugs.



Furthermore, the other type of , complete metamorphosis, describes how the growth period of some insects undergo extreme changes in body form, their physical appearance in as well as their behavior in nature. Once the insect hatches from the eggs it’s considered a larva. After this they start developing quite rapidly. After they reach a certain level of growth, they morph into a form in which the insect is known to be a pupa. This developmental stage is a transition from the immature larvae, to their final adult form. During this stage not only does their outside, physical appearance change, but also their internal structure is involved in a dramatic reconstruction. Once they reach their final adult stage, as mentioned before, they start acquiring certain structures, as well as making others functional. The adult form of insects finally develops mature sexual organs that allow them to reproduce; as well as in other structures such as wing, which in most cases, the adult insect is able to fly. Their behaviors such as feeding habits change drastically through their life cycle. The larvae on one hand eat insatiably which as a result allow them to grow exponentially larger. While the adult form may not necessarily behave this way. Some examples of these types of insects include: lady bugs, bees, and beetles.

 In a way, insects are very similar to arthropods; however insects differ in many essential life functions, such as feeding, moving, growth and development, as well as the way they respond to their environments. For instance, insects may differ greatly from one another in the feeding habits they have adapted. Their mouths are specialized for a great variety of functions, depending on how they survive, what they eat, etc. One insect may have a tube-like mouth part that will help suck nectar out of flowers, like the moth. But on the other side, there may be another insect like an ant, whose mouthpart are mandibles, that help them break down food molecules by “sawing” them with said mandibles. Adaptations for feeding are defined in accordance to how the insect has evolved or adapted to its environment over time. Every insect’s mouthpart is made up of three appendages as well as one pair of mandibles. Not only do their mouths help them process and digest food, but also their saliva. Some insects may use the enzymes found in their saliva to help them break down food in a quick and efficient way. For example bees. Bees contain several chemicals in their saliva that help them turn nectar into a digestibleform, commonly known as honey.

 As mentioned before, insects have three pairs of legs, which are used in a variety of functions depending on the organism’s needs. These pairs of legs may be used for walking, jumping, or even to attack and immobilize their preys. Their legs have an adaptive feature that allows them to grasp on surfaces. Aside from legs, insects have wings that also allow them to be mobile. Most insects are able to fly, allowing them not only another source of transportation, but also a fighting and defense mechanism against predators. All insects have a unique way in which they have adapted to survive to their environments, therefore their movement or flying patterns differ. Some insects such as butterflies fly slowly, unlike dragonflies who can reach impressive velocities while flying.

 In order for an organism to survive, they must be able to respond to their environment. Insects in one side have a very unique way of doing so. Their extremely developed senses, allow them to detect the slightest change in stimuli. Insects have specialized organs that are highly sensitive, for example, the sensory hairs in insects allow them to detect slight movement in the air. As objects move towards them, they feel the change of the expatriate air and are able to respond immediately. Many insects also have a keen and highly-developed sense of hearing. But one of the most amazing features that they have is in their eyes. Their eyes are made up of compound lenses angled in different directions. These types of eyes are better known as compound eyes. The specialized area of the brain that is involved with seeing (occipital lobe) allow for a better detection of movement, as well as for the recognition in the change of colors. Lastly, the chemical senses, smell and taste. Insects have chemical receptors in many of their bodies, such as the mouth, legs, and antennae. This allows them to differentiate chemical compounds in many substances.  Insects, together with certain kinds of centipedes and millipedes form part of a group called uniramians. This group of species is characterized by having one pair of antennae, jaws, as well as unbranched appendages.

 Unlike insects whose bodies are segmented in three parts, millipedes and centipedes have long bodies, similar to those of worms, and have numerous body segments which bear an abundant number of legs. Centipedes for example, are known to have more than 100 pairs of legs. This unique animal has a unique feature that allows him to satisfy its carnivorous needs. The claws of centipedes contain venom, they catch their preys and stun them with such, making it easier to devour the small animals they feed on. Contrasting centipedes, millipedes are herbivores. Each of their body segments can bear up to two pairs of legs. These animals may be peaceful, and a bit shy, but they release toxic chemicals when they feel endangered. Both, centipedes and millipedes are relatives of insects and fall in the widely ranged category of uniramians.

  <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> Insects communicate in a variety of ways, it is by producing sounds, or lighting up, their communication allows them to interact with members of their same species, essentially for mating purposes. Like crickets, who rub their forewings together, creating chirping sounds that attract same species of the opposite sex. However, not all signals or forms of communications are used for reproduction; they are also used for the evolutionary purpose of locating predators and preys. For instance, some insects hunt by using sound waves to locate their prey. Many insects release pheromones, which are chemical messengers. Pheromones serve in a number of ways, on one side they are used to attract mates, but are also used to alert other insects of possible danger. Pheromones affect the behavior of members of the same species. Furthermore, animals, like fireflies, produce a series of light flashing patterns to communicate with other members of their species. Communication between insects allows them to successfully participate in their colonies, or societies completing essential functions as a whole, and working for common goals. In general, the distinctive structures of insects, as well as their different ways of growth and development help them survive within their societies or colonies, and as individuals. Insects have three body segments, and jointed appendages. Their exoskeleton provides a secure structure for the organism as well as support for their different structures. Their forms of communications differ enormously from one organism to another. Some may use light flashes, while others make sounds, or release chemicals that help them interact with other insects as well as their environment