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Cicadas’ Urination Behavior Unravels Fluid Dynamics Concepts
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on the unique urination habits of cicadas. Despite their small size, these insects expel jets of urine, unlike other insects that form droplets. Amidst the upcoming “double brood” cicada season, this discovery piques curiosity.
Understanding Waste Elimination in Insects
While scientific interest in the fluid dynamics of insects has been prevalent, waste elimination mechanisms have received less attention. Saad Bhamla from Georgia Tech challenges traditional views on waste elimination, emphasizing its ecological significance. Bhamla’s prior research on the glassy-winged sharpshooter unveiled fascinating insights into the dynamics of urination.
Last year, Bhamla’s team examined the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an insect that drinks substantial amounts of water by tapping into a plant’s xylem. This behavior leads to frequent urination, with these insects expelling urine drops at high velocities. Termed “superpropulsion,” this mechanism aids in conserving energy and minimizing predator detection, showcasing a novel waste elimination strategy.
Diverse Excretion Strategies in Nature
Beyond the sharpshooter, various insects exhibit unique waste excretion methods, such as “frass-shooters,” “butt-flickers,” and “turd-hurlers.” For instance, skipper larvae can expel solid pellets using raised blood pressure, while certain moth species kick away pellets with their legs. The revelation of superpropulsion in the glassy-winged sharpshooter highlights the diverse range of waste release strategies in nature.
Ultimately, this study not only deepens our understanding of insect physiology but also underscores the complexity of fluid dynamics in the natural world.
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