Chemicals are changing insects in subtle yet deadly ways
While insects like stink bugs and mosquitoes might not be liked by many people, they play an essential role in maintaining the balance of Earth's ecosystems. E.O. Wilson, a renowned biologist, once emphasized their importance by stating that if insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse. However, scientists have recently observed a decline in insect populations, with numbers dropping by 2-3% annually, alongside shifts in their behavior. This decline has driven researchers to explore potential causes, including habitat loss, climate change, and the effects of chemicals. Effects of agrochemicals on insects A study led by researchers from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory...
Insects provide essential fatty acids to other animals
Life, as we know it, relies on the balance of energy and essential nutrients. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), found in insects and arachnids, play a critical role in this equilibrium. These organisms are particularly crucial to birds, hedgehogs, and lizards, although the advantages hinge heavily on the kind of insects and spiders consumed. Insects with fatty acids You may be surprised to learn that aquatic insects like dragonflies or caddisflies are richer in omega-3 long-chain PUFA than their land-based counterparts. Why? The base of the food chain in aquatic ecosystems is algae that are rich in omega-3 LC-PUFA. Fatty acids pile...
Insects are changing color to adapt to human destruction
New research reveals another surprising impact of human activity on the environment: New Zealand's native stoneflies have changed color due to human-induced changes. The study, recently published in the journal Science, hails from the University of Otago. It reveals without a shadow of a doubt that humans are driving animal evolution. If you thought that evolution was strictly Mother Nature's domain, think again. Our actions, it appears, have the power to shape the course of evolution. The study was led by Professor Jon Waters, an expert in the Department of Zoology. He noted that the stonefly has become a different color due to...