Proboscis
Proboscis
A Proboscis is an elongated appendage from the head of an animal, either a vertebrate or an invertebrate. In invertebrates, the term usually refers to tubular mouthparts used for feeding and sucking.
Invertebrates[edit | edit source]
In many insects, the proboscis is an elongated, flexible organ that some species use to feed on the nectar of flowers. For example, butterflies and moths have a long proboscis that they use to probe flowers for nectar. Some insects, such as mosquitoes and fleas, have a proboscis adapted for piercing the skin of plants or animals to suck their juices or blood.
Vertebrates[edit | edit source]
In vertebrates, a proboscis is an elongated nose or snout. The most familiar example is the elephant, which has a long, flexible proboscis that it uses for a variety of tasks, such as gathering food, drinking water, and social interactions.
Other uses[edit | edit source]
In some plants, the term "proboscis" is used to refer to long, tubular flowers or other structures that are adapted for pollination by insects with a long proboscis.
See also[edit | edit source]
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