Describe the advantages and disadvantages of air as respiratory medium.

Question

also, explain how insect tracheal systems are adapted for efficient gas exchange in a terrestrial environment.

Answer 1

air--Oxygen easy to obtain but respiratory surfaces have difficulty remaining moist which is vital.  

Tracheal systems operate off diffusion of gases from area of high concentration to low concentration.   Openings are limited in size to outside world to cut down on moisture loss.  Respiratory surfaces must remain moist in order for gas exchange to take place efficiently.