A living system can conserve energy by attaching permanently to a particular site because it can take advantage of resources that come its way, rather than expending energy to move to resources. A permanent attachment, intended to last the lifetime of the living system, creates special challenges. For example, physical mechanisms, such as the anchor that holds a marine algae to the ocean’s bottom, must be able to withstand forces that can pull it off its substrate. Chemical mechanisms, such as a barnacle’s glue, must avoid both physical and chemical breakdown, such as being dissolved by water.
Class Arachnida (“spider”): Spiders, mites, ticks, scorpions
Arachnids get a bad reputation, but they play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. Almost half of the species in the class are spiders, and most live in terrestrial environments. Unlike insects, most arachnids have two body sections: the cephalothorax, which is the head and thorax fused together, and the abdomen. Mites and ticks, on the other hand, have only one body section that is relatively flat. This body shape comes in handy for the species that are parasitic, because it makes it harder for their hosts to bite or scratch them off.
The eggs of body lice are attached to the hairs of their host with a cement-like substance.
How Lice Turn Your Hair Into Their Jungle Gym
“Eggs of body lice, commonly called ‘nits’, are attached to the body hairs of the host by a cement-like substance.” (Wootton 1984:87)
Become part of a global community of humans looking to put our innovation and activity into better harmony with the rest of nature––and help keep AskNature.org free and open to everyone!
Annual Subscription: Buy One at $100, Get One Free
We use cookies to give you the best browsing experience. By clicking the Accept button you agree to the terms of our privacy policy.
