Insect Orders Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following insect orders includes species with a holometabolous life cycle?

Orthoptera

Hemiptera

Coleoptera (correct)

Blattodea

What characteristic is specific to Hymenoptera in relation to their reproduction?

Females are diploid and males are haploid (correct)

Both males and females are haploid

Both males and females are diploid

Males are diploid and females are haploid

Which insect order is characterized by having leathery tegmina and wings that fold over the body?

Coleoptera

Diptera

Orthoptera (correct)

Hymenoptera

What type of mouthparts do liquid-feeding insects in the Hemiptera order typically possess?

Piercing sucking mouthparts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Lepidoptera is true?

They possess wing hairs that are modified into scales. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of reducing the favourability of a habitat for pests?

To eliminate suitable pest habitats and resources Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is effective for exposing soil-dwelling insect life-stages to predators?

Tillage Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of trap cropping in pest management?

To divert pests away from the main crop Signup and view all the answers

How can manipulating the timing of crop planting affect pest populations?

By disrupting the life cycle of pests and their hosts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following measures can help in removing overwintering sites for pests?

Cleaning up crop residues after harvest Signup and view all the answers

What technique involves using synthetic pheromones to manage pests?

Trap cropping Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason crop rotation is particularly effective against certain pests?

It changes the dynamics of the pest's life cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method for creating physical barriers to prevent pest access?

Using insect netting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method by which Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) affects pest insects?

It releases toxins after being ingested by insects. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following biological control agents is known for infecting insect pests through the germination of spores?

Beauveria bassiana Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do viruses use to control insect populations?

They replicate within the cells and typically kill the host. Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of introducing novel microorganisms into an insect’s microbiome?

Reduced disease transmission and growth rates. Signup and view all the answers

Why are generalist predators often ineffective at high pest densities?

They may become overwhelmed by the number of pests. Signup and view all the answers

Which insect is mentioned as being affected by manipulated endosymbionts to reduce its ability to transmit diseases?

Aedes aegypti mosquito Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of manipulating microorganisms already present in pest species?

Altered reproductive capabilities and disease transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the gut of an insect infected with Bacillus thuringiensis?

It leaks into the hemocoel, causing starvation. Signup and view all the answers

What structure connects the brain to the rest of the central nervous system in insects?

Subesophageal ganglion Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone produced by the corpora allata plays a significant role in metamorphosis?

Juvenile hormone Signup and view all the answers

What type of insect locomotion is characterized by the use of external forces for movement?

Passive dispersal Signup and view all the answers

Which method of reproduction describes females laying eggs that are left without care?

Oviparity Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of internal fertilization in insects?

Protecting gametes from the environment Signup and view all the answers

Which type of insect leg modification is designed specifically for grasping?

Raptorial legs Signup and view all the answers

What feature of insect wings aids in gas exchange and nutrient transportation?

Veins Signup and view all the answers

Which type of propulsion is used by water striders to enhance their movement in water?

Marangoni propulsion Signup and view all the answers

What type of muscle contractions are not directly stimulated by neural impulses?

Asynchronous contractions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mechanisms is used for mating disruption in pest management?

Mass pheromone application Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of aedeagus in male reproductive organs?

External transfer of sperm Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the insect reproductive system is involved in storing sperm?

Spermatheca Signup and view all the answers

What role does resilin play in insect musculature?

Providing flexibility at attachment sites Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of contact poisons makes them ineffective for certain insects?

They do not penetrate plant tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary feature of fumigants as insecticides?

They are gaseous above 5 degrees Celsius. Signup and view all the answers

Which property of synthetic insecticides allows them to reduce impacts on non-target organisms?

They can be manipulated for greater effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What risk is associated with the use of DDT as an insecticide?

It leads to biomagnification in food chains. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following natural insecticides has broad-spectrum effects but low toxicity to mammals?

Pyrethrins Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential health concern associated with the use of synthetic insecticides like DDT?

They may cause eggshell thinning in birds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action for axonic poisons?

They alter sodium and potassium influx along axon membranes. Signup and view all the answers

Why do natural insecticides generally require frequent reapplication?

They break down easily in the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of conservation biological control?

To facilitate the success of natural enemies already present in the ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does sulphur have for pest managers?

It is cost-effective and mixes well with other pesticides. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of pyrethroids compared to natural pyrethrins?

They do not affect vertebrates. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices may hinder the success of natural enemies in an ecosystem?

Increasing tillage and weed removal Signup and view all the answers

What are some ways to enhance the survival of natural enemies?

Ensuring adequate nesting sites and food supply Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of biological control compared to chemical control?

Biological control is less likely to damage plants Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of biological control that may be less prominent in conventional pest management?

Biological control is slower to develop and implement Signup and view all the answers

How can biological control partially address pesticide resistance?

By reducing reliance on chemical insecticides Signup and view all the answers

What are potential costs associated with classical biological control?

High short-term costs are offset by self-sustaining control Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factors can affect the activity of biological control agents?

Temperature and day length Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about biological control agents is true?

They interact with other species in the habitat Signup and view all the answers

What factor does biological control help raise awareness about in farming practices?

Environmental impacts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pre-Midterm Topics: Introduction to Insects and Terrestrial Relatives

Arthropods:
- Possess jointed appendages
- Exhibit bilateral symmetry
- Have segmented bodies
- Possess a ventral nerve cord
- Have a dorsal blood vessel
- Characterized by an exoskeleton
Hexapoda:
- Includes all insects and some non-insect groups
- Three tagmata (head, thorax, abdomen)
- Six legs
- One pair of antennae
- Some have wings
Evolution and classification:
- First arthropods emerged over 520 million years ago (Cambrian period).
- First insects appeared approximately 400 million years ago.
- Early examples included dragonflies (Odonata), grasshoppers (Orthoptera), and true bugs (Hemiptera).
- More recent examples include bees (Hymenoptera).

Structure of the Cuticle

Cuticle layers:
- Outermost: epicuticle (wax and cement layers)
- Middle: exocuticle (hardened and pigmented)
- Innermost: endocuticle (soft, flexible)
- Basement membrane
Moulting (Ecdysis):
- Apolysis: separation of the old cuticle from the epidermis
- Secretion of digestive fluid to break down the old endocuticle
- Ecdysis: the shedding of the old exoskeleton
- The new cuticle hardens (tans)

Arthropod Keys to Success

Small body size
Efficient muscles
Passive dispersal ability

Metamorphosis

Ametabolous: without metamorphosis (gradual changes)
Hemimetabolous: incomplete metamorphosis (egg → nymph → adult)
Holometabolous: complete metamorphosis (egg → larva → pupa → adult)

Insect Body Regions and Other Features

Head: sensory organs, mouthparts
Thorax: legs, wings
Abdomen: internal organs
Gut microbes: aid in digestion of complex materials like wood
Mouthparts: different types (piercing-sucking, chewing, etc.)
Spiracles: openings in the exoskeleton connecting the trachea (respiratory system)
Other structures: depending on the order

Insect Locomotion

Passive dispersal: relying on external forces (wind, water currents)
Active dispersal: expending energy to move
Unusual locomotion: specific adaptations (example: water striders)

Insect Wings

Structure and function: Supported by a system of veins to supply oxygen, support, flexibility, and for movement
Modifications: Different wing shapes (tegmina, hemelytra, elytra) adapt to different lifestyles and functions
Flight musculature: Direct and indirect flight muscles allow for upstroke and downstroke movements

Nervous System

Neuron structure: Dendrites, cell body, axon.
Nerve signals: Neurotransmitters transmitted between neurons.
Peripheral Nervous System: Receptors (e.g., trichoid sensilla) detect environmental stimuli
Central Nervous System: Brain and the ventral nerve cord process and integrate signals

Hormonal Regulation

Corpora Cardiaca: produce neurohormones.
Corpora Allata: produce juvenile hormone affecting growth and reproduction.
Endosteryoids: affect moulting and developmental changes

Diapause

An insect behavioral process that allows it to survive unfavorable conditions

Happens when environmental conditions are not favorable

Insect Reproduction

Oviparity: Laying eggs outside of the body
Ovoviviparity: Embryos develop inside the female, eggs hatch right after laying.
Viviparity: Embryos develop within the female
Spermatophore: Structure containing sperm

Insect Sexual Reproduction/Conflict

Internal fertilization: The male and female reproductive organs come into contact inside the body of the female to ensure the egg is fertilized.
Conflict: differences between mate preference, courtship behaviour, gifts, and morphology.

Pollination

Methods: Insects (entomo~) transfer pollen between flowers
Evolutionary development
Specialists vs generalists
Pollinator cues (physical traits, odours) drive evolutionary modifications in plants and pollinators

Insect Migration

Physiological adaptation to environmental cues (e.g., changes in seasons, availability of resources).
Movement patterns (migration and dispersal) allow for population distribution.

Insects as Decomposers

Various roles
Key to nutrient cycling
Decomposition of organic matter, returning elements to the soil

Insect Feeding Guilds

Leafminers: consume leaves between leaves
Defoliators: Consume leaves with chewing mouthparts
Seed/fruit feeders: Consume seeds, fruits, and portions of the plant with specialized mouthparts
Sap feeders: Consume fluids with piercing-sucking mouthparts
Root feeders: Consume roots
Stem feeders: Consume plant stems

Insect Defenses

Physical (e.g., trichomes)
Chemical (e.g., secondary metabolites)

Insect and Plant relationships

Specialized relationships
Mimicry
Defense against herbivores
Symbiotic relationships with other organisms (e.g., ants and plants)

Pest Management

Four-Tiered IPM Approach:
- 1. Economic threshold
- 1. Identification and monitoring
- 1. Prevention
- 1. Control

Insect resistance and Mechanisms of Resistance

Penetration resistance: Thickened exoskeleton or metabolic adaptations to less readily absorb insecticides.
Cross-resistance: Resistance to one insecticide leading to resistance to other insecticides
Behavioral resistance: Changes in feeding patterns or behaviours to avoid contact with insecticide.
Metabolic Resistance: The insect possessing enzymes to break down insecticide within.
Altered target site resistance: Modification of receptors that reduce their ability to bind to insecticide.

Insect Conservation

Rationale and Need: The goal of conservation biology is to conserve threatened species and overall biodiversity (understanding niches).
Conservation Projects: Prioritize species, populations, and habitats to sustain biodiversity (habitats).
Management Plans: Conservation projects involve measures of biodiversity, abundance, and species interactions.

Biological and Cultural Controls

Biological Controls: Introduction/release of natural enemies (parasites, pathogens, predators) to control pest populations.
Cultural Controls: Adjusting environmental conditions to reduce pest populations through altered planting/cropping schedules, crop rotaions, or resource managemet.

Post-Midterm Topics: Pollination and Beekeeping

Pollination mechanisms: Wind/water, entomophilous, etc.
Evolutionary history: co-evolution between plants and pollinators leading to structural and behavioral adaptation.
Generalist vs specialist pollinators:
- Specialists have a more focused relationship with one or a few plant species.
- Generalists are adaptable to various flower species.
Important insect pollinators: e.g., Bees, butterflies, etc.
Pollinator cues: Colour, odour, nectar guides, UV patterns for bees.
Insecticide impacts on pollinators:
Ecological impacts of pollination: Consequences for plant reproduction, seed dispersal, etc.
Pollination and human activities: Benefits of insect pollination, impact of human influence, beekeeping.

Insects as Disease Vectors

Types of Hosts: Definitive host (where the pathogen undergoes reproductive cycle) vs intermediate host (where the pathogen might not reproduce) & Transmission.
Routes of Transmission: Mechanical (direct contact) vs. Biological (pathogen multiplies and/or develops inside).

Insects and Disease Causes

Etiological agents: organisms that directly cause disease
Pathology: The development, cause and effect of diseases.
Examples (at the broader level) include Lice, Ticks or Bed bugs.

Insects and Human Culture

Historical context: role in mythology, art, and societal perceptions, use in various applications and trades. -Examples of use (in the broadest sense) include: art, medicine, etc.

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Description

Test your knowledge on various insect orders and their unique characteristics in this quiz. Explore topics such as holometabolous life cycles, reproductive traits of Hymenoptera, and mouthparts of Hemiptera. Perfect for biology enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of entomology.