Episode 176: Insect Gigantism Pt2

The Carboniferous period is host to some of the largest arthropods to have ever lived. Giant taxa such as the griffenfly Meganuera and the millipede Arthropleura are almost talismanic and are often depicted in reconstructions of the period. Since many other groups also have giant representatives in the Carboniferous, what is it about this time that allows for arthropods to grow to such large sizes?

Arthropods breathe very differently to how we do with many using a series of branching hollow tubes called trachea for gas exchange throughout the body. This tracheal system uses diffusion and advection to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide from areas of higher concentration to lower concentrations. In 1995, a study in the journal Nature suggested that elevated oxygen concentrations in the Carboniferous (approximately 30%, as opposed to 21% today) allowed for gigantism in arthropods since oxygen could diffuse deeper/further into their larger bodies.

A recently published study in the same journal is now casting doubt on that interpretation and in this interview, we are joined by one of the authors, insect physiologist Prof. Jon Harrison from Arizona State University. He introduces us to the tracheal system and its link to the size of insects in the Carboniferous.

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