Insects
There are approximately 900,000 known species of insects, with estimates suggesting the total could range anywhere from 2 million to 30 million. Insects are, without a doubt, the most biodiverse group on the planet, and they are believed to comprise around 80% of all species (Smithsonian). Since insects make up most species, they also account for most endangered species, whether their endangerment is recognized or not. Consequently, when a species goes extinct, it is often an insect.
In the Amazon rainforest alone, the number of insect species could be as high as 2.5 million (Nature and Culture International, 2020). This diversity highlights the critical importance of insects, as they provide invaluable insights into the nature of life itself.
Insects play numerous vital ecological roles. They serve as pollinators, protectors of specific plant species, predators, and decomposers. It’s also essential to acknowledge their additional ecological functions—roles such as herbivores, parasites, and blood-feeders—that are often overlooked yet crucial to ecosystem balance.
Ultimately, insects are invaluable not only for maintaining ecosystems but also for expanding our understanding of life and its complexities.
References:
Numbers of Insects (Species and Individuals) Smithsonian
https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/bugnos
(August 28, 2020) Insects Kick Biomass There are approximately 2.5 million species of insects in the Amazon, and we need every one of them. Nature and Culture International