Insect species diversity, abundance and body size relationships
Article Abstract:
A statistical analysis of a group of insects in a single biological community shows a neat parabolic curve in an x,y,z graph when compared for species in a body-size class (S), the number of individuals in the class (I) and the body size itself. A grassland insect community with 89,596 individuals and 1167 species was examined. Each of five main orders exhibited a specific body size at which the number of individuals and the abundance of the species peak. The peaks vary more than 100 fold among five main orders, indicating that the number of undiscovered small insect species is probably less than presumed. Within size classes, S appeared to equal I to the power 0.5.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Induced synthesis of plant volatiles
Article Abstract:
Wounding of plant tissues by insect feeding triggers the release of volatile compounds, mostly terpenes, which have been implicated in the attraction of the natural enemies of the insect hervibores. This reaction is delayed, and is induced only by the interaction of damaged plant tissues with a substance in the oral secretions of insects. The volatiles are synthesized de novo with little or no release from storage. These biochemical data demonstrate that plants are active in mediating the interactions between the second and third trophic levels.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Do cockroaches 'know' about fluid dynamics?
Article Abstract:
A new study measures the response of the American cockroach's wind-sensing system. It is shown that the insect detects minute air movements with tiny hairs on its cerci which relay information via interneurons to the terminal abdominal ganglion where such signals are processed.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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