Question

Which structure of man is similar to the spiracle of cockroach?
A. Nostrils
B. Bronchioles
C. Lungs
D. Alveoli

Answer 1

Cockroaches are a species of insect considered a pest and nuisance in many countries. They belong to the Blattodea order. Cucaracha is the Spanish word for cockroach and was derived from it.

Complete answer: Like every other living organism, cockroaches have different biological body systems such as digestive system, respiratory system, excretory system, and reproduction system. Cockroaches breathe tubes called the tracheae, which are attached to spiracles. The spiracles are openings on the sides of their body which assess in breathing as mentioned. These tracheal systems branch out efficiently to provide oxygen to every single cell in their bodies. The spiracle valves open when the carbon dioxide levels in the cockroach rise, this allows oxygen to diffuse in and carbon dioxide to diffuse out. Cockroaches unlike vertebrates do not have lungs and depend on the tracheal system for respiration. Cockroaches have the ability to hold their breath for seven days and can still breathe after their head has been cut off. They can retain oxygen for a longer period of time compared to other vertebrates. Humans breathe in air through their nostrils and the oxygen enters their lungs and is distributed through the capillaries. Therefore, the structure of man that is similar to the spiracle of the cockroach is the nostrils. Oxygenated air enters through the spiracle of cockroach and in man the oxygenated air enters through nostrils.
Therefore the correct answer is option A. Nostrils.

Note: Around 30 species of cockroach have been associated with human habitat and 460 genera have been identified worldwide. Around 4600 cockroach species have been identified worldwide. Out of these, five species of cockroaches have been identified as pests. Some people have taken a liking to the Madagascar hissing cockroaches and have kept them as pets. Cockroach breeding and maintenance is easy therefore they are used in many pre-clinical research studies or in laboratories by students.