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Insects at low pressure: applications to artificial ecosystems and implications for global windborne distributionInsects have a number of potential roles in closed-loop life support systems. In this study we examined the tolerance of a range of insect orders and life stages to drops in atmospheric pressure using a terrestrial atmosphere. We found that all insects studied could tolerate pressures down to 100 mb. No effects on insect respiration were noted down to 500 mb. Pressure toleration was not dependent on body volume. Our studies demonstrate that insects are compatible with plants in low-pressure artificial and closed-loop ecosystems. The results also have implications for arthropod colonization and global distribution on Earth.
Document ID
20040088960
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Cockell, C.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field CA United States)
Catling, D.
Waites, H.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Publication Information
Publication: Life support & biosphere science : international journal of earth space
Volume: 6
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1069-9422
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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