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| | Certain types of animal may be of great importance for [[settlement|settlements]]. | | Certain types of animal may be of great importance for [[settlement|settlements]]. |
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| − | Insects have a variety of medoths for surviving the coldness of winter.1. Migration is one strategy for escaping the killing temperatures. The Monarch Butterfly is the foremost example of this maneuver, but other insects migrate into northern areas from the southern states in the Spring. Crop pests are the most obvious of these migrants.2.Overwintering as Larvae. Many insects successfully pass the winter as immature larvae. The protection of heavy covers of leaf litter or similar shelters protect the woolly bear caterpillar, while other insects replace the water in their bodies with glycerol, a type of antifreeze! Some grubs simply burrow deeper into the soil to escape the cold.3. Overwintering as Nymphs. Not many insects are active in the winter, but the nymphs of dragonflies, mayflies and stoneflies live in waters of ponds and streams, often beneath ice. They feed actively and grow all winter to emerge as adults in early spring.4. Overwintering as Eggs. Lesser numbers of insects lay eggs which survive the winter. The most prominent insects in this category are Praying Mantids, and the destructive Corn Rootworms also engage in this strategy.5. Overwintering as Pupae. Some insects overwinter in the pupal stage, then emerge as adults in the spring. Moths in the Silkworm Family, Saturniidae, may be found attached to food plant branches as pupae in the winter.6. Hibernation as Adults. Many insects hibernate as adults. Lady bird beetles are a well-known example, and are sometimes seen in great numbers in the fall as they congregate at high elevations. Many large wasps seek shelter in the eaves and attics of houses or barns. Tree holes, leaf litter, and under logs and rocks are common shelters for overwintering adult insects. The Mourning Cloak Butterfly is usually the first butterfly that is noticed in the Spring, and this is because it hibernates in tree holes or other shelters during the winter. As in some insect larvae, it reduces the water content of its body, and builds up glycerol which acts as an antifreeze. Honey bees stay in hives during the winter, and form clusters when temperatures fall. They also are able to raise the temperature by vibrating wing muscles.In general, insects are able to survive cold temperatures easiest when the temperatures are stable, not fluctuating through alternate thaws and freezes. Many insects can gain shelter and nourishment through the winter in a variety of micro-habitats. Among these niches are under the soil, inside the wood of logs and trees, and even in plant galls. One kind of fly is known by fishermen to be present in certain galls in winter, and the fly larvae are consequently used as fish-bait. Blankets of snow benefit insects by insulating the ground and keeping the temperature surprisingly constant. Honeybees have been studied during the winter and are found to remain semi-active in hollow trees through the generation of body heat. The consumption of up to 30 pounds of stored honey during the winter months makes this possible. Heat energy is produced by the oxidation of the honey, and circulated throughout the hive by the wing-fanning of worker bees. Insects that are inactive during the winter months undergo a state in which their growth, development, and activities are suspended temporarily, with a metabolic rate that is high enough to keep them alive. This dormant condition is termed diapause. In comparison, vertebrates undergo hibernation, during which they have minor activity and add tissues to their bodies. | + | ===Insects=== |
| | + | Most [[insects]] are not vital for a colony, but some may be important. |
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| | + | ====Polination==== |
| | + | Polinators, such as [[moths]], [[butterflies]], and [[bees]], are a critical part of agriculture. Small [[greenhouse|greenhouses]] may be able to accomodate polination needs by direct human action. More efficient means, such as natural polination, are needed for large greenhouses. Bees also produce [[honey]] and [[wax]] as a by-product. |
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| | + | ====Food==== |
| | + | Other insects, such as [[mealworms]], [[silkworms]]<ref>http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/113/2</ref>, or [[crickets]] may be raised for [[food]]. |
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| | + | ====Natural Fiber==== |
| | + | [[Silkworms]] generate [[silk]], but require a diet of fresh mulberry leaves. |
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| | ===Arachnids=== | | ===Arachnids=== |
Revision as of 14:55, 23 July 2012
Animals are multicellular eukaryotes with differentiated tissues. They rely on plants, microbes, or other animals for food. Animals are usually self-mobile in at least one phase of their life cycle.
Important Animals for Martian Colonization
Certain types of animal may be of great importance for settlements.
Insects
Most insects are not vital for a colony, but some may be important.
Polination
Polinators, such as moths, butterflies, and bees, are a critical part of agriculture. Small greenhouses may be able to accomodate polination needs by direct human action. More efficient means, such as natural polination, are needed for large greenhouses. Bees also produce honey and wax as a by-product.
Food
Other insects, such as mealworms, silkworms[1], or crickets may be raised for food.
Natural Fiber
Silkworms generate silk, but require a diet of fresh mulberry leaves.
Arachnids
Spiders are a source of natural fiber - spider silk.
Fish
Species of fish such as tilapia and catfish can be fed on waste biomass, and may provide a source of protein and amusement.
Mammals
Humans are the most important mammal to martian colonization. Other small mammals, such as rodents, cats, and dogs may be brought to Mars as pets.
Mice and Rats can serve a triple role - food, research subjects, and pets.
References
