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VOL. 1, ISSUE 1 (2025)
The age of Meganeura: A look back at the giants of insect evolution
Authors
Syedda Unaisa Waseem
Abstract
During the late Carboniferous period, approximately
300 million years ago, Earth’s ecosystems were dominated by lush swamp forests,
towering lycophytes, and an atmosphere rich in oxygen. Amid this environment
flourished Meganeura, a genus of giant griffinfly often described as a
dragonfly-like insect with wingspans exceeding 70 centimeters. As one of the
largest insects ever to exist, Meganeura has long fascinated scientists
and the public alike, raising questions about physiology, evolution, and the
environmental conditions that enabled such extraordinary gigantism. This paper
explores the evolutionary context of Meganeura, examining how high
atmospheric oxygen concentrations, the absence of aerial vertebrate predators,
and unique adaptations of the insect respiratory system allowed these organisms
to thrive. By situating Meganeura within the broader arc of insect
evolution, this study also considers how its existence illuminates both the
opportunities and constraints of arthropod size. Ultimately, the age of Meganeura
offers valuable insight into the dynamic interplay between physiology,
environment, and evolutionary innovation, while highlighting the fragility of
gigantism in the face of shifting ecological pressures.
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Pages:26-30
How to cite this article:
Syedda Unaisa Waseem "The age of Meganeura: A look back at the giants of insect evolution". World Journal of Entomology, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 26-30
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