What functional advantage does the GWB's external digestion provide compared to insects relying solely on mastication?
Answer
It potentially allows for a faster uptake of calories, critical for an active ambush predator.
The strategy of externalizing digestion through enzyme injection offers a significant energetic advantage to the giant water bug over insects that rely solely on mastication (chewing). By dissolving the prey externally, the bug bypasses the time and energy expenditure required to process solid material internally. This efficiency translates directly into a potentially faster rate of calorie uptake. For a free-swimming ambush predator that needs to conserve energy between hunts but must be ready for explosive bursts during pursuit, minimizing the duration of the consumption phase provides a distinct competitive edge in securing vital resources.
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