Insects in flight have a higher metabolic rate than they do at rest and consume 10 to 200 times more O2 than when they are at rest. Despite this high energy expenditure, insects are able to generate extra energy while flying. What mechanism facilitates this?

Question

Biology

Natalie Pace

21 January, 22:26

Insects in flight have a higher metabolic rate than they do at rest and consume 10 to 200 times more O2 than when they are at rest. Despite this high energy expenditure, insects are able to generate extra energy while flying. What mechanism facilitates this?

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Ryan Nielsen · Answer 1

When insects fly, they expend more energy and consume more oxygen as compared to their state of rest. Insects have a tubular breathing system called tracheae, instead of lungs. The action of flight muscles pumps air through the trachea. This is how they generate extra energy while flying.