ISSN:
0362-2525
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Each step forward in the evolution of new organs or new abilities has made possible further evolution, but at the same time has set up mechanical and physiological conditions that place definite limits on the future possibilities of evolution. The exoskeleton has made possible very definite advances in the evolution of insects, but at the same time has limited their evolution in fully as many other ways.Opportunities in evolution opened up by an exoskeleton are its use as armor, as a skeleton, in the development of wings, as protection against desiccation. It has conditioned small size opening up numerous limited environments, increasing mutability due to short life. It conditions a tracheal system which speeds metabolism, and a variety of specialized mouth parts as well as locating the sense of smell on the surface where it is more effective. Metamorphosis evolved from ecdysis.Limitations imposed by an exoskeleton are small size, simple nervous system due to small size, short life preventing education, inflexible societies due to simple nervous system, cold-bloodedness, clumsy appendages, loss of closed blood system, excretory system reduced to malpighian tubules, poor development of touch and hearing and mosaic vision.
Additional Material:
2 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jmor.1050440204
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