Insects play an integral role in the earth’s ecosystems. Beyond pollination, they spread seeds, act as prey and predators, and play an important role in many food chains. Scientists report that many species of insects are declining and the overall quantity of insects is dropping. Scientists warn this could have dire effects on the world’s ecosystems. Pollution is considered the number one culprit of this decline in population. Additionally, climate change and the transformation of the landscape play a critical role. To combat this extinction experts point to a need to rebuild physical ecosystems where insects thrive which requires governments to look farther into the future than short term economic gain.
Key Takeaways:
- Insects supply the ecosystem with support of human activity by producing food and fiber through pollination and nutrient cycling.
- Insects are declining in many parts of the world and species are being lost through the felling of tropical trees.
- Some biological alternatives are available which include parasitic wasps and predatory beetles.
“Some species survive well in human-modified circumstances, whether agroforestry or in cities. Others have the capability of surviving well in certain agro-ecosystems or even city parks. But many are specialists that require particular circumstances or particular host species in order to live.”
Read more: https://theconversation.com/weaving-insect-wildlife-back-into-the-tapestry-of-life-132535
