Without silkworms, we would not have silk. Silkworms make silk fiber that is spun into cocoons. These cocoons are collected and unraveled to obtain the silk fibers. Insects are food for animals and humans. Raccoons, birds, some snakes and lizards, frogs, fish are some animals that rely on insects for their food source. In many parts of th e world, humans eat insects, as well.
They are know to be nutritious, plentiful and quite tasty. Some insects are helpful to humans in that they actually help control the nuisanse insect population. For instance, ladybird beetles feed on aphids that destroy flowers and crops.
Farmers and gardeners have been known to release ladybird beetles onto their crops as a means of controlling harmful insect populations without the use of chemicals. Have you ever thought of insects as anything but pests?
All creatures serve a purpose in the ecosystem. Who will do their job if one of them is removed? All creatures are important. Except for gnats. Some insects are eaten as novelties in the United States, but some other societies use beetle grubs and other insects commonly as food. The recognition of silk as a valuable product dates back to China, arguably in the year B. Presently, China annually produces some 30, tons of raw silk, which accounts for 80 percent of the world's supply.
Most silk is produced from the cocoons of the Silkworm, Bombyx mori. Natural and biological control. The balance of nature depends on the activities of parasites and predators, the majority of which are species of insects. Researchers use this concept in biological control, and have been dramatically successful in many programs. Insects are well known in various areas of arts and as pleasant to the senses. Butterflies are certainly one of the most appealing creatures in nature, with colors and patterns that are enjoyed by humans most of the year.
Native Americans in the United States used parts of insects in a manner similar to feathers in their crafts. Brightly colored wing covers of certain beetles are used for earrings by Jivaro Indians of Ecuador. The Egyptians chose a scarab beetle as a symbol of their sun God. In fact, plants and pollinators have mutually beneficial relationships because pollen and nectar are a food source for many insects.
Without insects, things would be pretty smelly and gross on planet Earth. Many different species take on the messy and unglamorous job of decomposing organic matter, like leaf litter , feces and animal carcasses.
This supports new plant growth and ensures ecosystems receive a constant flow of nutrients. One hard-working decomposer is the dung beetle. With 7, known species across six continents, they make a pretty robust clean-up crew. Dung beetles should probably receive the employee of the month award year-round for their continued enthusiasm and hard work. By rolling, tunnelling and physically living in dung, they facilitate many ecological benefits.
For example, dung beetles break up cow and sheep dung and tunnel it into the soil, providing plant roots with much-needed nutrients. They also help spread seeds in dung by burying them deep in the soil. This protects seeds from hungry animals and increases their chances for germination. Learn more about the wonderful work of dung beetles in this TED-Ed video. Some insects are predators that hunt other insects. Such insects are important in nature to help keep pest populations insects or weeds at a tolerable level.
We call this the balance of nature. Predatory and parasitic insects are very valuable when they attack other animals or plants that we consider to be pests. Insects are very important as primary or secondary decomposers. Without insects to help break down and dispose of wastes, dead animals and plants would accumulate in our environment and it would be messy indeed. Insects are underappreciated for their role in the food web. They are the sole food source for many amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Insects themselves are harvested and eaten by people in some cultures. They are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are prized as delicacies in many third-world countries. In fact, it is difficult to find an insect that is not eaten in one form or another by people.
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