Lecture Notes: Arthropods and Ectoones

Introduction

• Date: Monday
• Weather: Cloudy, snowy, sloppy
• Focus: Wrap-up of Arthropods, Hexopods, and Ectones

Recap from Last Week

• Discussion on Demodex results
  • Results from tape and genetic surveys
  • Correlations in findings
  • Use of barcode of life data system for DNA species identification

Today's Agenda

• Focus on hexopods and usociality
• Discussion on efficient predators and defense mechanisms
• Communication among insects
• Discussion of Scalodophorans

Usociality

• Usociality evolved in nine groups; most are terrestrial arthropods (e.g., termites, ants, bees, wasps)
• Characteristics of Usociality:
  • Cooperative care of juveniles
  • Reproductive division of labor (sterile workers, reproductive individuals)
  • Overlap of generations
• Example: Termite colonies (BBC video example)
  • Queen termite with large number of eggs
  • Workers tending to the queen

Termites in G

• Historical introduction of termites in G due to lumber transport
• Active management strategies to control termite population
• Genetic studies: Multiple introductions identified
• Temperature adaptation: Termites burrow below frost line to survive cold temperatures
• Current status: Active management discontinued; potential for population increase due to climate change

Predators and Defense Mechanisms

• Botflies and Parasitic Wasps (Parasitoids)
  • Botflies using mosquitoes as vectors
  • Parasitoids lay eggs on hosts
• Predator success rates:
  • Dragonflies have higher success rates than lions

Communication Among Insects

• Tactile communication in ants
• Fireflies: Use of bioluminescent patterns to find mates
• Honeybee waggle dance: Communicates location of food source
• Stridulatory communication in ants: Different sounds for different tasks and castes

Scalodophorans

• Characteristics:
  • Unified by possession of an introvert with retractor muscles
  • Includes Kinorhynchs, Loriciferans, and Priapulids
  • Marine environments
• Loriciferans found in anoxic environments

Conclusion

• Upcoming topics: Duterostomes and Echinoderms
• Encouragement of self-care and community care