Jumping Out of My Skin
By: Ania Lewis ~ Ms. Vu - PAP Biology - Period 4th
Grasshopper Integumentary System
Objectives
We will explore the internal and external parts of an arthropod
We will cover the organs and other parts of the arthropod
We will learn the functions and locations of these organs
We will study the structure and functions of arthropods
Background Information
The grasshopper’s scientific name is Melanoplus differentialis
Grasshopers live in meadows, grasslands, and other open areas
Preyed on by birds, snakes, rodents
Eat leafy plant material
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Family: Acrididae
Genus: Melanoplus
Species: differentialis
Evolution
Strong jaws to grab and chew foods
Feelers around their mouth taste food
Hind legs allow grasshopper to jump high and long when in danger
Weak eyesight, depends on antennae
Antennae can detect moisture, identify food, and sense chemicals in the air
Human Impact/ Influence
Grasshopper Plagues - agricultural pests that destroy crops and farmlands
Source of food especially in many eastern cultures (nutritious and delicious)
Grasshopper waste and body decomposition fertilize the soil
Grasshoppers are used in medical research such as the nervous system
Grasshoppers are a food source for birds that humans hunt
Integumentary System
Organs: Exoskeleton, segmentation,
Exoskeleton-
protects the insect
provides support
acts as a barrier against water loss
made of chitin
calcium carbonate also plays a part in helping the exoskeleton be harder and stronger
Segmentation-
Segmentation is required in order for the insect to have easier, flexible movement
Divides the body into numerous sections – 3 in grasshoppers
Head, thorax, abdomen
Head
Contains mouth, eyes, and antennae
Thorax
Consists of the prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax
Abdomen
Contains cerci, a pair of jointed appendages
Each segment contains a pair of legs
Segmentation follows a longitudinal axis of radial symmetry
Extra Information
Grasshoppers have wings and antennae
Grasshoppers have a ventral nerve cord
Their hearts are located on the dorsal side of their body
Grasshoppers have a tracheal respiratory organ
The name of their excretory organ is Malpighian tubules
Grasshoppers have an open circulatory system
Works Cited
http://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Differential-Grasshopper
http://www.whateats.com/what-eats-a-grasshopper
http://comparativeanatomybiology.weebly.com/grasshopper-anatomy.html
http://comparativeanatomybiology.weebly.com/grasshopper-anatomy.html
http://www.ehow.com/list_6809019_benefits-grasshoppers_.html
http://bio1151.nicerweb.com/Locked/media/ch33/33_35GrasshopperAnatomy.jpg
http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2012/schiappa_char/adaptation.htm