Study carefully specimen E and F and use them to answer questions 2(a) to 2(d). (a) (i) What class of organism do specimen E and F belong to? (ii) State thr...
Question 1 Report
Study carefully specimen E and F and use them to answer questions 2(a) to 2(d).
(a) (i) What class of organism do specimen E and F belong to?
(ii) State three similarities between specimen E and F.
(iii) In a tabular form, state three differences between specimens E and F;
(b) State two ways each in which: (i) Specimen E (ii) Specimen F are of economic importance.
(C)(i) State one observable feature each of specimens E and F and how these features adapt the specimens against predation.
(ii) Name the habitats of specimens E and F.
(d) Remove all the wings of specimen E. Make a drawing 8-10 cm long of the dorsal view of specimen E and label fully.
Answer Details
(a)(i) Class of organism: Specimens E and F both belong to Class Insecta.
(a)(ii) Three similarities between specimen E and F:
- Both have three pairs of jointed legs (six legs).
- Both have the body divided into head, thorax and abdomen (segmented body) and possess a pair of antennae with mandibulate (biting) mouthparts.
- Both are bilaterally symmetrical with jointed appendages.
(a)(iii) Three differences between specimens E and F:
| Specimen E (Cockroach) | Specimen F (Soldier termite) |
|---|---|
| Head small relative to the body | Head large relative to the body |
| Wings present | Wings absent |
| Compound eyes present (has sight) | No eyes (blind) |
| Dark brown colour; small mandibles | Light brown colour; large mandibles |
(b) Economic importance
(i) Specimen E (cockroach): destroys clothes, books and stored materials; contaminates food, reduces its quality and gives it a foul odour; serves as a vector (carrier) of disease-causing organisms.
(ii) Specimen F (soldier termite): speeds up decay by breaking down dead wood into humus, which increases soil fertility and improves soil drainage and aeration through its channels; it is a source of protein for poultry feed, and mud from the termitarium is used for building; however, it also destroys wood in roofs, houses, furniture, timber and crops.
(c)(i) Observable feature adapting each specimen against predation:
- Specimen E (cockroach): its dorso-ventrally flattened body lets it hide quickly in cracks and crevices, and its brown colour blends with the surroundings as camouflage; its wings also allow it to fly away from predators.
- Specimen F (soldier termite): its large, strong mandibles are used to bite in defence, and the snout-like projection of the head produces a poisonous defensive secretion for protection.
(c)(ii) Habitats: Specimen E (cockroach) lives in dark boxes, cupboards and cesspits; Specimen F (soldier termite) lives in the termitarium (termite mound/hill).
(d) Drawing of the dorsal view of Specimen E (cockroach) with all wings removed, 8-10 cm long, fully labelled:
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
