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Kukci su evolucijski stara, a po broju vrsta najveća skupina životinja s vrlo velikim utjecajem na ekosustave i čovjeka. Jedini su beskralješnjaci koji su razvili sposobnost leta što im je, uz neke druge specifične prilagodbe, omogućilo da postanu najuspješnija skupina životinja. Tvore većinu faune u svim staništima, osim otvorenih mora i polarnih krajeva. U ovom radu je dan kratak pregled evolucijske povijesti najvećih skupina letećih kukaca, uz naglasak na njihov let i evolucijske prilagodbe vezane uz njega. Insects are an evolutionary very old animal group with more species than any other. They have a major effect on ecosystems and respectively on humans. Also they are the only invertebrates that have developed the ability to fly, which besides other specific adaptations has allowed them to become the most successful animal group. They form the majority in fauna of all habitats, except in polar circles and open seas. This article presents short review of evolutionary history of the largest groups of flying insects, with emphasis on their ability to fly and adaptations related to it. |
