What specialized internal structures do woodlice possess due to lacking a waterproof waxy cuticle?
Answer
Pleopodal lungs
A defining characteristic of woodlice, inherited from their aquatic past and necessitated by their lack of a waterproof waxy cuticle typical of insects, is their method of respiration. They utilize specialized organs called pleopodal lungs. These organs are located within the paddle-shaped appendages on their underside, known as pleopods. For oxygen exchange to occur effectively, these structures require a thin film of water to facilitate the absorption of gas from the air. This fundamental biological requirement is why woodlice must constantly seek out damp environments, such as under stones or logs, to survive during periods when they are exposed to the atmosphere.
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