What is one strategy water bugs use involving physical structures to carry an air supply underwater?
Answer
Utilizing air bubbles trapped by hydrophobic hairs (plastrons)
Insects inhabiting aquatic environments must solve the fundamental challenge of respiration since water contains significantly less dissolved oxygen than air. Water bugs have developed several distinct strategies. One highly effective method involves trapping a layer of air against the body surface, often held in place by specialized, hydrophobic hairs; this trapped air acts as a physical gill or a portable lung, allowing the insect to extract necessary oxygen while submerged.
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