A very well labelled diagram of a cockroach, lateral and dorsal view, grass hopper, lizard and grasses
The correct answer and explanation is :
Certainly! Here’s a detailed overview of the external anatomy of a cockroach (both lateral and dorsal views), grasshopper, lizard, and grasses, accompanied by explanations of their structures and functions.
1. Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Dorsal View:
- Head: Triangular with compound eyes and long antennae.
- Pronotum: Shield-like structure covering the head.
- Thorax: Divided into prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax; each bearing a pair of legs.
- Wings: Two pairs; the forewings (tegmina) are leathery, and the hindwings are membranous.
- Abdomen: Segmented with spiracles for respiration.(YouTube, American Museum of Natural History)
Lateral View:
- Highlights the overlapping wings, legs, and the curvature of the body.
For visual reference, see the detailed diagrams provided by Biology4ISC.
2. Grasshopper
External Anatomy:
- Head: Equipped with compound eyes, antennae, and mouthparts including mandibles and palps.
- Thorax: Comprises three segments, each with a pair of legs; the hind legs are adapted for jumping.
- Wings: Two pairs; forewings are narrow and leathery, hindwings are broad and membranous.
- Abdomen: Segmented with spiracles for breathing.(YUMPU)
Detailed diagrams can be found at Exploring Nature.
3. Lizard (Hemidactylus – Common House Lizard)
External Features:
- Head: Contains eyes with movable eyelids, nostrils, and a protrusible tongue.
- Body: Covered with scales; exhibits bilateral symmetry.
- Limbs: Four limbs with five digits each; digits have adhesive pads for climbing.
- Tail: Long and tapering; capable of autotomy (self-amputation) as a defense mechanism.(Department of Agriculture, ARS, BYJU’S, YUMPU)
Refer to the labeled diagram at BYJU’S for a visual representation.
4. Grasses
Structure:
- Leaf Blade: Flat and narrow; primary site for photosynthesis.
- Sheath: Encases the stem; supports the leaf blade.
- Ligule and Auricles: Located at the junction of the blade and sheath; vary among species.
- Stem (Culm): Hollow or solid; segmented by nodes.
- Roots: Fibrous root system; may include rhizomes or stolons for vegetative reproduction.(Labeled Science Diagrams, Illinois Extension, Forage Information System)
For a comprehensive diagram, visit Earth@Home.
Explanation (Approximately 300 Words):
Understanding the external anatomy of various organisms provides insights into their adaptations and ecological roles.
Cockroach: As a nocturnal scavenger, the cockroach’s flattened body allows it to navigate through narrow crevices. Its long antennae are sensory organs detecting environmental cues. The leathery forewings protect the delicate hindwings used for flight, while the segmented abdomen houses vital systems and spiracles for respiration.
Grasshopper: Adapted for herbivory and mobility, grasshoppers possess powerful hind legs enabling them to leap significant distances, evading predators. Their compound eyes offer a broad field of vision, and their mouthparts are designed for chewing plant material. The dual-wing system facilitates both protection and flight.(BYJU’S)
Lizard: As reptiles, lizards exhibit scaly skin to prevent desiccation. Their limb structure supports terrestrial locomotion, and adhesive toe pads in species like Hemidactylus enable vertical climbing. The ability to autotomize their tail serves as a defense mechanism, allowing escape from predators.
Grasses: Fundamental to many ecosystems, grasses have evolved structures for efficient growth and reproduction. The leaf blade maximizes photosynthetic efficiency, while the sheath and ligule protect and support the plant. Their fibrous root systems prevent soil erosion, and structures like rhizomes and stolons facilitate vegetative propagation, ensuring survival and spread.(Earth@Home: Evolution)
Collectively, these anatomical features illustrate the diverse adaptations organisms have developed to thrive in their respective environments.