Role Of Hormones In Completing The Life History Of Insects And Frogs

key notes:

Hormones in Insects:

  1. Developmental Stages:
    • Insects undergo a process called metamorphosis, where they transform from one life stage to another (e.g., egg → larva → pupa → adult).
  2. Hormones Involved:
    • Juvenile Hormone (JH): Maintains the insect in its immature stages (larval stages). Low levels trigger the transition to the next stage (like pupa).
    • Ecdysone: Responsible for triggering molting, where the insect sheds its exoskeleton to grow.
  3. Metamorphosis Process:
    • Hormones control the timing and nature of changes in the insect’s body during its life cycle, including the development of wings in adult insects and reproductive structures.
  4. Reproduction:
    • Hormones also regulate reproductive processes, including mating behaviors and egg production in female insects.

Hormones in Frogs:

  1. Metamorphosis in Frogs:
    • Frogs undergo metamorphosis from a tadpole (aquatic) to an adult frog (terrestrial). This transformation is hormonally controlled.
  2. Thyroxine:
    • The key hormone responsible for metamorphosis in frogs is thyroxine, which promotes the development of adult characteristics.
    • As thyroid hormones increase, tadpoles undergo structural changes like the formation of legs, resorption of the tail, and the development of lungs for breathing air.
  3. Reproduction in Frogs:
    • Hormones like gonadotropins control the development of reproductive organs in frogs and trigger mating behaviors during the breeding season.
    • Females lay eggs, and fertilization occurs externally in water.

Comparison of Hormonal Roles:

  • Both insects and frogs experience hormonal control during metamorphosis, but the hormones involved and the timing differ.
  • Insects undergo hormonal changes during molts, while frogs undergo significant body changes from aquatic to terrestrial life under the influence of thyroid hormones.

These hormones ensure the proper development, growth, and reproduction of both insects and frogs, completing their life cycle.

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