by Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you want to answer from an expert, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.
How did cockroaches survive the asteroid that led to extinction of dinosaurs? – Kinjal, 11 years, Delhi, India
When the rock, which was known today as a chicxulub impactor, fell out of space and banged into earth 66 million years ago, cockroaches were there. The effects caused a massive earthquake, and scientists believe that it also triggered volcanic outbreaks from the impact location. Three quarters of plants and animals on earth died, including all dinosaurs, with the exception of some species that were ancestors of today’s birds.
How could cockroaches survive a few centimeters long when so many powerful animals were extinct? It turned out that they were well equipped to carry out a meteoric catastrophe.
If you have ever seen a cockroach, you probably noticed that your body is very flat. This is not an accident. Flattering insects can press into narrower places. This enables you to hide practically anywhere – and it may have helped you survive the effects of chicxulub.
When the meteor struck, the temperatures on the surface of the earth rose into the surface of the earth. Many animals did not have to flee anywhere, but cockroaches were able to search for protection in tiny ground columns that offer excellent protection against heat.
The influence of the meteor triggered an effect cascade. So much dust occurred that the sky became dark. When the sun used, the temperatures fell and the conditions became wintry worldwide. With little sunlight, surviving plants had to grow, and many other organisms that were based on these plants remained hungry.
No cockroaches. In contrast to some insects that prefer to eat a certain plant, cockroaches are all -eating aa -eaters. This means that you eat most foods that come from animals or plants as well as cardboard, clothing and even pooping. Appetite that are not picky has made it possible to survive cockroaches since the extinction of chicxulub and other natural disasters.
Another helpful feature is that cockroaches lay their eggs in small protective cases. These egg boxes look like dried beans and are called Oothecae, which means “egg covers”. As with telephone cases, Oothe is hard and protect their content from physical damage and other threats such as floods and drought. Some cockroaches may have been waiting for some of the chicxulub disaster under the comfort of their coothees.
Modern cockroaches are small survivors who can live almost anywhere on land, from the heat of the tropics to some of the coldest parts of the world. Scientists estimate that there are over 4,000 types of cockroaches.
A handful of these species like to live with people and quickly become pests. As soon as cockroaches have established themselves in a building, it is difficult to free every little tear of these insects and their oothees. If there is a large number of cockroaches in unsanitary places, you can spread diseases. The biggest threat to which you represent for human health are allergens that you produce that can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in some people.
Kakerlake pests are difficult to handle because they can resist many chemical insecticides and because they have the same skills that have helped their ancestors to rethink many dinosaurs. Nevertheless, cockroaches are much more than a pest. Researchers examine cockroaches to understand how they move and how their bodies get ideas for building better robots.
As a scientist, I see all insects as beautiful, six -legged inspiration. Cockroaches have already overcome opportunities that were too big for dinosaurs. If another meteorite met the earth, I would be more concerned about people than about cockroaches.
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This article will be released from the conversation, a non -profit, independent news organization that brings you facts and trustworthy analyzes to help you understand our complex world. It was written by: Brian Lovett, West Virginia University
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Brian Lovett does not work for a company or an organization that benefits from this article and have not published any relevant affiliations about their academic appointment.
