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Characteristics Of The Hissing Cockroaches

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Analysis:
Gromphadorhina portentosa, commonly known as the hissing cockroach, lives within the tropical lowland rainforests of Madagascar among the dry litter on the forest floor. While multiple species of cockroaches have slender like feet, the hissing cockroach has pads and hooks (Figure 3, shows the adaptive hooks/visual description of cockroach). A young cockroach, a nymph, undergoes a process called metamorphosis where its shell sheds periodically to allow for growth. The process evolved approximately 20 million years ago (Figure 1, phylogenetic tree referencing common ancestor). Due to metamorphosis, it undergoes mitotic division of its mycetocytes, special cells that harbour symbiotic microorganisms, approximately 48 hours in a week. The hissing cockroach is an omnivorous scavenger and can consume both organic and inorganic food, although they prefer sweets, meats, and starches. Hissing cockroaches also have cellulase in their saliva, which is meant to break down crystallized cellulose. This trait was developed approximately 10 million years ago, causing two new distinct species (Figure 1, distinct species split). It responds to tactile and wind stimulus by turning away from the stimulus and running. As such, a roach will begin running between 8.2 and gradually to 70.2 m/s after its sensory cells experience stimuli.
Conclusion:
Evolution, the process by which a species’ gene pool changes over time, creates necessary variation in organisms for adaptation to a variety

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