Entomology quiz 4

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of the spermatheca in female insects?

To store sperm and control fertilization (correct)

To transport eggs out of the body

To produce eggs

To assist in mating behavior

Which of the following best describes the aedeagus?

A complex structure for sperm transfer (correct)

An external organ for laying eggs

An organ that produces eggs

A vessel that transports sperm

Nuptial gifts in insects serve what main purpose?

To provide food for the offspring

To signify territory ownership

To increase mating chances (correct)

To assist in locating partners

Which of the following mating strategies involves large groups of insects gathering in a specific location?

Swarming Signup and view all the answers

What role do pheromones play in the mating behaviors of insects?

They attract males to females Signup and view all the answers

What are courtship rituals designed to achieve?

Increase chances of successful mating Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is NOT a common mating strategy used by insects?

Mimicking predators Signup and view all the answers

Which reproductive structure stores sperm in male insects?

Vas deferens Signup and view all the answers

What is a spermatophore?

A package of sperm and nutrients given by males to females Signup and view all the answers

Which male species collects sodium to transfer to a female during mating?

Tiger swallowtail Signup and view all the answers

What defines sexual dimorphism?

Differences in form or structure between the sexes of the same species Signup and view all the answers

Where should the pin be placed on moths for proper pinning?

Through the thorax Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of incorrect pinning?

Pin is positioned too high or low Signup and view all the answers

Which description applies to the male peach tree borer?

It has a wasp-like appearance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a key in insect identification?

To identify the order, family, genus, and species of insects Signup and view all the answers

What should the angle of the pin be during the pinning process?

90 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a key in identifying insects?

To identify insects by examining their characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a pictorial key?

A key that uses images to guide the user through identification Signup and view all the answers

How does a dichotomous key operate?

It provides two choices at each step leading to identification Signup and view all the answers

What happens after determining the characteristic in a key?

You follow the instructions to the next couplet and continue Signup and view all the answers

What is a couplet in the context of insect identification keys?

A pair of statements describing specific characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes published keys from simple keys?

Published keys are developed by experts and are more detailed Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the use of keys for identification is correct?

Keys guide users step-by-step based on observable traits Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in using a key?

Start with the first couplet and evaluate characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Male Reproductive System

Testes produce sperm
Vas deferens stores sperm
Ejaculatory duct carries sperm out of the body
Aedeagus (also known as penis) is the external organ used for mating
- Varies in shape and size depending on insect species

Female Reproductive System

Ovaries produce eggs
Oviduct transports eggs
Spermatheca stores sperm from multiple males and allows females to control fertilization
- An example of cryptic female choice
Ovipositor is the external organ used for laying eggs

Mating and Courtship

Insects use strategies to find mates
- Swarming: large groups in specific locations
- Pheromones: chemical signals released by females to attract males
- Hilltopping: males gather at high points to establish territory and attract females
- Song: some insects use sound to attract mates
- Vibrational cues: some insects use vibrations to communicate
- Light signals: some insects use light to attract mates

Examples of Mating Behaviors

Butterflies: hilltopping, pheromones
Moths: pheromones, light signals
Fireflies: light signals
Orthopterans: song, vibrational cues

Impressing a Mate

Insects use courtship rituals to impress each other
- Dancing: complex movements
- Fighting: males compete to establish dominance
- Gift-giving: some insects offer food or other gifts

Nuptial Gifts

Gifts given by males to females during courtship
Increase the chances of mating
Can be food items, such as dead prey, or nutrients like sodium
Types:
- Spermatophore - package of sperm and nutrients
- Food items: dead prey
Examples
- Scorpionfly: Dead moth
- Tiger swallowtail: Sodium

Sexual Dimorphism

Difference in form or structure between genders within a species
Examples
- Peach tree borer: Male has a wasp-like appearance, female has orange and black coloration
- Tiger swallowtail: Male and female have different wing patterns

Pinning Insects

Process of preserving insects for display
Pin placement:
- Moths: thorax
- Beetles: top right abdominal segment
- Flies: metathorax
Pin angle: perpendicular to insect, 90-degree angle

Keys to Identification

Tools used to identify insect order, family, genus, and species
Types:
- Pictorial Key: uses images
- Dichotomous key: presents two choices at each step
Example Pictorial Key: "Wing or no wings?"
Example Dichotomous Key: "Is the insect a beetle?"

Identifying Insects Using Keys

A key is a series of couplets (two statements) that describe characteristics
How to use a key:
- Start with the first couplet
- Determine which characteristic applies
- Follow to the next couplet, and continue until identified

Published Keys

Developed by experts in the field
More detailed and complex than simple keys

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Description

This quiz was made from notes taken in Biol 3085 at The University of Denver