The Secrets Behind Insect Abundance

Insects vastly outnumber humans, with an estimated 10 quintillion individuals and a million known species. Their success is attributed to rapid reproduction, genetic diversity, and adaptability to extreme environments. Insects occupy diverse ecological niches, feeding on various resources. Metamorphosis allows them to exploit different resources at different life stages, contributing to their ecological success. Despite their small size, insects are the true conquerors of the planet.

What is the estimated number of individual insects on Earth?

• 10 million

• 10 billion

• 10 quintillion

• 10 trillion

How many vertebrate species exist compared to insect species?

• 100,000 vertebrates vs 1 million insects

• 60,000 vertebrates vs 1 million insects

• 60,000 vertebrates vs 100,000 insects

• 1 million vertebrates vs 60,000 insects

What percentage of all animal species do insects constitute?

• About 65%

• About 85%

• About 75%

• About 50%

Which insect can survive at -40 degrees Fahrenheit?

• Flat bark beetle

• Bumblebee

• Mosquito

• Sahara Desert ant

What advantage does the small size of insects provide?

• Longer lifespan

• Faster movement

• Occupation of various niches

• Better vision

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

How do wasps ensure their offspring have food?

• By gathering leaves

• By hunting other insects

• By collecting pollen

• By laying eggs inside live insects

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is a unique resource that mosquitos utilize for survival?

• Water droplets

• Leaf sap

• Blood

• Sunlight

Which insect feeds only on flower nectar as adults?

• Flies

• Wasps

• Beetles

• Butterflies

What percentage of insect species undergo complete metamorphosis?

• 76%

• 86%

• 66%

• 96%

According to the text, who are the true conquerors of the planet?

• Mammals

• Humans

• Insects

• Birds