Prehistoric insects grew giant
Some insects 300 million years ago were giants compared to their modern relatives. (Photo: Patti Haskins.)
Transport yourself back in time 300 million years, and you might see dragonflies with the wingspan of a hawk or millipedes almost as long as a man crawling along forest floors.
What happened to decrease the size of these gigantic prehistoric arthropods?
Earth & Sky spoke to Alexander Kaiser of Midwestern University. He’s the author of an August 2007 study on what’s called “insect gigantism.”
He explained that it’s an insect’s respiratory system that limits its size. Insects breathe through a network of air-filled tubes that deliver oxygen straight to their cells. The bigger the insect, the more oxygen it needs. And, 300 million years ago, there was more oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere.
More oxygen equals bigger isnedts.
With more oxygen in the air, an insect’s respiratory system could take up less space in its body. A smaller respiratory system left room for other tissues such as muscles and tendons to grow. And that’s the reason why insects were so much bigger millions of years ago.
So gigantic insects might seem cool, but not something you’d want to find in your bathtub.
NEW! Find related content with Sphere
Question : Why was the oxygen level higher 300 million years ago?
Wheres the proof?