The Intriguing Circulatory System of Grasshoppers
What is the structure of the circulatory system in a grasshopper?
A. One or more muscular chamber hearts drive blood through the closed circulatory system of the grasshopper.
B. The grasshopper has an open circulatory system with a heart that is a peristaltic vessel.
C. Because the grasshopper has an open circulatory system, the maximum hemolymph pressures that can be achieved are relatively low, which limits the maximum metabolic rate that can be achieved.
D. The grasshopper does not have a specialized circulatory system - instead, its circulatory system consists of the fluid in the body cavity which is circulated by means of the body movements of the animal.
E. Both B and C are true of the circulatory system of the grasshopper.
Answer:
The circulatory system of a grasshopper is an open circulatory system with a peristaltic vessel heart.
Grasshoppers have a fascinating circulatory system that is different from mammals. Their circulatory system is open, unlike closed circulatory systems found in humans and other vertebrates.
In an open circulatory system, the blood, known as hemolymph, flows through interconnected spaces called sinuses, rather than being contained within blood vessels. The heart of a grasshopper is a long, tubular structure that contracts in a peristaltic motion to pump hemolymph into the hemocoel, the main body cavity of the grasshopper.
This hemolymph bathes the internal organs directly, allowing for the exchange of nutrients, waste, and gases. As the hemolymph circulates around the body cavity, it eventually reenters the heart through small openings called ostia.
The open circulatory system of a grasshopper allows for a more efficient distribution of substances throughout the body. While the maximum hemolymph pressures may not be as high as in closed circulatory systems, it enables grasshoppers to achieve a relatively high metabolic rate for their size.
Understanding the unique circulatory system of grasshoppers provides insights into the diverse adaptations present in the animal kingdom. By exploring different circulatory strategies, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of how organisms have evolved to thrive in their environments.