Why are there so many insects? - Murry Gans

Summary

Insects are truly the conquerors of Earth, outnumbering humans by billions and thriving in nearly every environment. With around 10 quintillion insects and over a million species, their success lies in their ability to breed rapidly, adapt to extreme conditions, and occupy diverse ecological niches. Their small size, exoskeletons, and efficient metamorphosis allow them to survive in harsh environments and make use of resources other creatures can't. Insects’ incredible genetic diversity and rapid reproduction make them resilient, ensuring their dominance across the planet.

Takeaways

• 😀 Insects vastly outnumber humans, with an estimated 10 quintillion individuals on Earth, compared to our 7 billion population.
• 😀 The insect class contains over a million species, making up about 75% of all animal species on Earth.
• 😀 Insects are highly successful due to their ability to reproduce in massive numbers, ensuring species survival despite high mortality rates.
• 😀 Insects mature rapidly, allowing them to reproduce multiple times in short periods, which accelerates the cycle of genetic diversity.
• 😀 Insects thrive in diverse environments, from freezing temperatures to extreme heat and high altitudes, thanks to their adaptability.
• 😀 Insect exoskeletons act as protective armor, helping them survive in habitats that would be inhospitable to many other creatures.
• 😀 The small size of insects allows millions to inhabit small spaces, making efficient use of resources and enabling them to occupy numerous ecological niches.
• 😀 Insects have specialized feeding habits, from eating plants and other animals to exploiting resources like feces.
• 😀 Many insects, like wasps and mosquitoes, have evolved to use unique resources (like blood or paralyzed prey) to ensure their survival.
• 😀 Metamorphosis allows insects to maximize resources by having different life stages (larvae and adults) that don't compete for the same food, leading to efficient resource use.
• 😀 Insects' numbers and adaptability make them the true conquerors of the planet, far outpacing human dominance in terms of ecological success.

Q & A

What is the main reason humans would lose if insects suddenly morphed into large beings and waged war on us?

Humans would lose due to the sheer number of insects, as there are an estimated 10 quintillion individual insects on Earth, outnumbering humans by more than a billion to one.

How does the number of insect species compare to vertebrate species?

There are more than 60,000 vertebrate species, but the class of insects contains over a million known species, making them far more diverse.

What percentage of all animals on Earth are insects?

Insects make up approximately 75% of all animal species on Earth.

What is one of the main reasons insects are so successful?

Insects are successful due to their ability to breed rapidly, producing large numbers of offspring that increase their chances of survival.

How do insects achieve genetic diversity?

Insects achieve genetic diversity through their numerous species, each carrying unique genetic traits that allow them to adapt to various environments.

Can insects survive in extreme environments?

Yes, some insects can survive in extreme environments, such as the flat bark beetle at -40 degrees Fahrenheit, Sahara Desert ants at temperatures over 155 degrees, and bumblebees at altitudes of 18,000 feet.

What role do insect exoskeletons play in their survival?

Insect exoskeletons serve as protective armor, helping them endure harsh environments and defend against external threats.

How does the small size of insects benefit their survival?

Insects' small size allows millions of them to inhabit a small space, making efficient use of available resources and allowing them to occupy various ecological niches.

What is an example of a unique niche that some insects occupy?

Some insects, like wasps, parasitize other insects by paralyzing them and laying eggs inside, allowing the larvae to consume the host as they grow.

Why is metamorphosis such an important trait for insects?

Metamorphosis allows insects to maximize available resources by ensuring that the larvae and adults of a species do not compete for the same food, with different life stages occupying different ecological niches.