2006-09-26 14:19:41 · 5 answers · asked by Nik J 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
For inverts that have an exoskeleton like insects, there are a couple factors. One would be with a large animal the weight of an exoskeleton would be to heavy for it to move very well. Also oxygen come in to factor - they do not breath through lungs but instead through spicules - oxygen just doesn't reach the tissues well. there are fossils of insects and spiders much larger than today's - that was when the air was much richer in oxygen and that problem wasn't as much - but still they were limited in size by the weight factor.
2006-09-26 14:32:28 · answer #1 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Also, as your question goes, not all invertebrates are small. Certain flatworms and tapeworms can reach lengths in excess of twenty metres. And then again, there is the giant squid that reaches lengths of thirteen metres, and the supposed colossal squid(fourteen metres or more).
The size of invertebrates depends on the environment and body plan.
2006-09-26 16:10:23 · answer #2 · answered by Mojosaurus 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Think building construction.
2006-09-26 14:23:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
more mass = more gravity = you'd better have some beams in that house!
2006-09-26 14:26:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
they help the insect
2016-09-29 14:56:02 · answer #5 · answered by Ngozi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋