Thats it!!
2006-11-13 17:03:36 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Ants have an open respiratory system. They breath using a tracheal system which comprises of tubes, which delivers oxygen directly to the cells. Air is taken in through slits in the body wall and into the tubes, which branch into smaller tubes until they open to cells within the body (put very basically...).
Hope that clears it up for you!
2006-11-13 19:23:41 · answer #1 · answered by mudgettiger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trachea - little holes in their sides basically. The oxygen in the air diffuses through the holes and interacts with their blood, which in effect just sits inside them in a reservoir.
This puts a size limit on insects; too big and diffusion can't occur, and the surface tension in the liquid isn't strong enough to hold the body fluids in (you can turn a tiny glass phial upside down and the water won't spill; it will from a cup though).
Sci-Fi giant ants, even ants the size of people, would either suffocate (because the air can't diffuse over such a big distance) or their blood would pour out of the holes. That's provided their legs didn't collapse like cardboard tubes of course.
2006-11-13 19:23:52 · answer #2 · answered by Paul FB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although people will tell you the air diffuses into the trachea through the spiracles if you look at a wasp or bee sitting still you will see that their body segments contract and release to squeeze the air in and out of the tubes.
Other insects do much the same but those that fly need more oxygen and it is more obvious,
RoyS
2006-11-13 20:37:35 · answer #3 · answered by Roy S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im not sure how they breathe.Moved to Texas and it`s 1 huge red ant hill.Wish they all would stop breathing.
2006-11-13 17:12:54 · answer #4 · answered by darlene100568 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its simple.like most living creatures ants have tiny air sacs for breathing.though they are small,they are equipped!just like amoeba breathes by diffusion
2006-11-13 17:36:12 · answer #5 · answered by cookie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
insects have spiracles along their body which are tiny holes for air to pass in and out through
2006-11-13 21:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by of Light 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hhmm..good question..i wonder the same thing..anyone who experts or noe d answer..plz answer the brilliant question..
2006-11-13 17:41:27 · answer #7 · answered by munchen2186 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with their cute little itty bitty teensy weensy little bitty cutey booty wittle bitty mouthy wouthies
2006-11-13 17:12:00 · answer #8 · answered by hell oh 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
they have trechea on their bodt they breath by them
2006-11-13 17:11:30 · answer #9 · answered by Jamsheed A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋