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Chapter 22: Problem 34

Despite what you may have read in science fiction novels or seen in horror movies, it is extremely unlikely that insects can ever grow to human size. Why? (Hint: Insects do not have hemoglobin molecules in their blood.)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Insects cannot grow to human size because their tracheal respiratory system, which does not utilize hemoglobin, becomes less efficient as body size increases, thereby limiting their size.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding insect respiratory system

Insects respire by a system of tracheae and tracheoles that are filled with air. Unlike humans who have a circulatory system where blood carries oxygen to cells, insects directly deliver oxygen to their cells through their tracheal system.
02

Understanding the limitation of size for insects

The tracheal system of insects has a limitation. Because it relies on diffusion rather than circulation, it becomes less efficient as body size increases, limiting the maximum size of insects.
03

Comparing with human size

Humans and most vertebrates, on the other hand, use a circulatory system, where oxygen-carrying red blood cells, powered by hemoglobin molecules, deliver oxygen even to distant cells. This allows for larger body sizes.

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