Question

1. why do you think that terrestrial isopods have been so successful for millions of years? in other words, what makes them good survivors? give one to three reasons.
2. the giant isopod bathynomus giganteus lives on the ocean floor. find out about this isopod and create a table that compares this marine isopod with a terrestrial isopod in terms of their ecosystem, strategies for avoiding predators, and strategies for obtaining food.

Explanation:

1. Adaptability: Terrestrial isopods can tolerate a wide - range of environmental conditions like temperature and humidity variations. They can live in diverse habitats from damp soil to leaf litter.
2. Feeding flexibility: They are detritivores, consuming decaying organic matter. This means they have a readily available food source in most environments.
3. Defensive mechanisms: Some terrestrial isopods can roll into a ball (conglobation) to protect themselves from predators, reducing their vulnerable surface area.

For the comparison table of Bathynomus giganteus (marine isopod) and terrestrial isopod:

Comparison Aspect	Bathynomus giganteus (Marine Isopod)	Terrestrial Isopod
Predator Avoidance	May use camouflage in the dark ocean environment. Some may have a hard exoskeleton for protection.	Can roll into a ball (conglobation) for protection. Also, their small size and ability to hide in crevices help.
Food - Obtaining Strategies	Scavenges for dead animals and organic debris that sink to the ocean floor.	Feeds on decaying plant and animal matter in the terrestrial environment.

Answer:

1. Reasons for terrestrial isopods' success: Adaptability, feeding flexibility, defensive mechanisms.
2. See the above - created comparison table.