Final answer:
Beetles, a type of insect in the order Coleoptera, have back wings that are reduced to paddles. The insect order with back wings reduced to paddles is the Strepsiptera, where males develop large hindwings for flight while the forewings become paddles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The insect order that has back wings reduced to paddles is the coleoptera, which includes beetles. Beetles have a pair of front wings that are hardened and serve as protective covers for their hind wings, which are reduced to small, membranous paddles used for balance during flight. The hind wings are hidden under the front wings when not in use.
The insect order with back wings reduced to paddles is the Strepsiptera, where males develop large hindwings for flight while the forewings become paddles. This is a part of the incredible diversity in wing adaptations seen in the insect kingdom, contributing to their evolutionary success.
The insect order where the back wings are reduced to paddles is the order Strepsiptera, also known as twisted-wing parasites. These insects exhibit a remarkable form of sexual dimorphism, where the females often remain endoparasitic and mostly wingless, while the males develop wings. However, in males, the hindwings are enlarged for flight, and the forewings are reduced to small, club-like structures that are not used for flying but may function in steering during flight.
In the broader context of insect evolution, many orders of insects have undergone various adaptations of their wings. The evolution of wings in insects is a novel development, leading to a diverse array of wing forms and functions. This evolutionary process has allowed insects to dominate many ecological niches on Earth.