Wings May Not Necessarily Be a Key Innovation for Insecta

question 44

Multiple Choice

Wings may not necessarily be a key innovation for Insecta, but rather a key innovation for lineages within Insecta. For example, Coleoptera, the most diverse group of insects, have forewings that are modified as a hardened elytra and membranous hindwings for flight. How might wings have increased the success of Coleoptera?

• A) The elytra protect the hindwings from desiccation and cold temperatures.
• B) The elytra protect the hindwings from abrasion and tearing.
• C) The elytra protect the beetle from predation.
• D) all of the above
• E) none of the above

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Definitions:

Base Case NPV

The Net Present Value calculated under baseline assumptions, used as a standard to evaluate the viability of an investment.

Discounted Payback

A capital budgeting method that calculates the time required to recoup the investment in a project, by taking into account the present value of expected cash flows.

Financial Break-Even

The sales level that results in a zero NPV.

Contribution Margin

The amount by which sales revenue exceeds variable costs of production, indicating how much revenue contributes towards covering fixed costs and generating profit.