Autothysis

Autothysis

Autothysis is the process where an organism, like a termite, destroys itself via an internal rupturing or explosion of an organ which ruptures the skin. This is caused by a release of pressure in a fluid filling the organ. Termites release a sticky secretion by rupturing a gland near the skin in their neck producing a tar baby effect in defense against ants. It is a form of suicidal altruism.

References

*cite journal |quotes=no |author=C. Bordereau, A. Robert, V. Van Tuyen & A. Peppuy |year=1997 |title=Suicidal defensive behavior by frontal gland dehiscence in "Globitermes sulphureus" Haviland soldiers (Isoptera) |journal=Insectes Sociaux |volume=44|issue=3 |pages=289–297 |doi=10.1007/s000400050049

ee also

*Self destruct


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • autothysis — see sting autotomy …   Dictionary of invertebrate zoology

  • Globitermes sulphureus — ? Globitermes sulphureus …   Википедия

  • Солдаты (насекомые) — У этого термина существуют и другие значения, см. Солдаты …   Википедия

  • Termite — Not to be confused with Termit (disambiguation), Thermite, or Turmite. This article is about insects. For other uses, see Termite (disambiguation). Termite Temporal range: 228–0 Ma …   Wikipedia

  • Self-destruct — A self destruct is a mechanism which causes a device to destroy itself under a predefined set of circumstances. Self destruct mechanisms are sometimes found in high security data storage devices, where it is important for the data to be destroyed …   Wikipedia

  • Antipredator adaptation — A lone bison is standing its ground against a pack of wolves, thereby increasing its chance of survival Antipredator adaptations are evolutionary adaptations developed over time, which assist prey organisms in their constant struggle against… …   Wikipedia

  • Altruism in animals — Altruism is a well documented animal behaviour, which appears most obviously in kin relationships but may also be evident amongst wider social groups, in which an animal sacrifices its own well being for the benefit of another animal. Contents 1… …   Wikipedia

  • List of QI episodes (E series) — infobox tvseason season name = QI Series E caption = dvd release date = country = UK network = BBC first aired = 21 September 2007 last aired = 14 December 2007 num episodes = 13 prev series = Series D next series = Series F|This is a list of… …   Wikipedia

  • sting autotomy — (ARTHROPODA: Insecta) In Hymenoptera, enlarged barbs on the sting apparatus that remain at the sting site; autothysis …   Dictionary of invertebrate zoology

  • Camponotus saundersi —   Camponotus saundersi Clasificación científica Reino …   Wikipedia Español

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”