Although they are one of the smallest groups of organisms,
that does not stop insects from making their presence known. Everyone by now
would have spent at least one sleepless night because a tiny guest kept you
awake with their music in your room. Well, scientists believe that insects have
been causing humans sleepless nights at least as far back as Aristotle’s time
(Alexander, 2000). Insects have the
ability to make their sound by using various body parts in a couple of
different ways
(Alexander, 2000). Some insects use
their entire bodies to rub against another individual’s body
(Alexander, 2000). Others strike body parts such as their
feet, tip of the abdomen or head against the ground. While others vibrate
certain body parts such as their wings
(Alexander, 2000). Most of the time
these body parts consist of a special organ called tympanal organ or the body
part is lined with hair called sensilla
(Alexander, 2000). Scientific studies
have shown that these organisms general only make sound for two reasons; when
they are in a group or as a result of the presence or activities of another
organism
(Alexander, 2000). Within this large
group there are a couple of very interesting examples of the sounds made in the
animal world.
Bibliography
Alexander, R., 2000. Sound
Production and Associated Behaviour in Insects. colombus , 57(10), pp.
101-113.
Nice title. Nice pictures. A broad, easy-to-understand blog on insect sound production. You mention that there are examples of the sounds. Will you be expanding on these examples in the future, as I would be fascinated to learn how different insects make very different sounds.
ReplyDeleteThis was very easy to read and understand. I never knew that insects rubbed their bodies against each other to make noise.
ReplyDeleteThanks tasmin, yes i will be exploring some examples next week.
ReplyDeleteAs a lover of both music and animals I found this both interesting and enjoyable. I too am looking forward to your sound examples.
ReplyDeleteVery entertaining: "scientists believe that insects have been causing humans sleepless nights at least as far back as Aristotle’s time". A very fun blog, easy to read and understand. I am very interested to learn more interesting facts about animals and music :)
ReplyDelete