June Exam - Insects

Question 1

What are the differentiating characteristics of arthropoda?

Answer 1

• Exoskeleton (Cuticle)
• Segmented body: head, thorax, abdomen
• Jointed appendages
• Bilateral symmetry
• Eyes (simple/compound)
• Open circulatory system (haemolymph)
• Excretory system (malpighian tubules)
• High reproductive capacity

Question 2

What is chitin?

Answer 2

A fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides used for protection and support

Question 3

What differentiates an insect?

Answer 3

• Three body parts
• Six legs
• Winged/wingless
• Jointed antennae

Question 4

What are the stages of holometaboly?

Answer 4

• Larvae; worm-like, specialized for feeding + growth
• Pupae; resting stage - dramatic reorganisation occurs
• Adult; specialized for reproduction and dispersal

Question 5

What are the seven stages in a classical biological control programme?

Answer 5

1) Target weed selection
2) Control agent selection
3) Import agents into quarantine
4) Confirm agents’ safety
5) Application for permission to release
6) Release new agents
7) Post-release redistribution & evaluation

Question 6

Name the main arthropod groups

Answer 6

Arachnida, Crustacea, Myriapoda, Insecta