What system do spiracles open into on a grasshopper?
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: Spiracles open into the tracheal system on a grasshopper.
Explanation (300 Words)
Grasshoppers, like many other insects, rely on a specialized respiratory system called the tracheal system to facilitate gas exchange. This system consists of a network of tiny, air-filled tubes called tracheae, which branch into even smaller tubes known as tracheoles. These tubes deliver oxygen directly to the cells and remove carbon dioxide, bypassing the need for a circulatory system to transport gases.
The entry points for air into the tracheal system are small openings called spiracles, which are located along the sides of the grasshopper’s body. Typically, grasshoppers have 10 pairs of spiracles—two pairs on the thorax and eight pairs on the abdomen. Each spiracle is equipped with a valve that can open and close to regulate airflow and minimize water loss, which is crucial for survival in dry environments.
Once air enters through the spiracles, it travels through the tracheae and reaches the tracheoles, which extend deep into the insect’s tissues, ensuring that oxygen reaches individual cells. The diffusion of oxygen into the cells and carbon dioxide out of the cells occurs directly at the cellular level, making the process highly efficient.
Grasshoppers use body movements to aid in ventilation. They can contract and expand their abdomen in a rhythmic motion, forcing air in and out of the tracheal system, which enhances gas exchange. This mechanism is particularly important during active periods when the demand for oxygen is higher.
Unlike vertebrates, which use lungs and blood to transport gases, the tracheal system of grasshoppers allows for direct oxygen delivery, making it a highly effective adaptation for terrestrial life. This unique respiratory system is a key factor in their ability to survive in various environments.