Question

1 How many insects are there in the world? 2 Where do they live? 3 Why are insects important? 4 What can bees do? ​

Answer 1

1) Scientists have described about 650,000 species of insects, but most likely there are many more.

2) Insects live all over the world, except for the Arctic and Eastern Siberia, since the climate there is too cold for insects.

3) Insects perform two extremely important functions in nature - pollination of plants and, in turn, insects themselves are an important source of food for birds, small animals, and sometimes fish.

4) Bees can make honey and also sting people.

Answer 2

1. It is estimated that there are over 1 million known species of insects in the world. However, scientists believe that the actual number of insect species could be much higher, with some estimates ranging from 5 to 30 million species.

2. Insects are incredibly diverse and can be found in almost every habitat on Earth. They live in various ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and even in freshwater and marine environments. Some insects have adapted to live in extreme conditions, such as high altitudes, deep underground, or in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

3. Insects play a vital role in our ecosystems and have several important ecological functions. Here are a few reasons why insects are important:

   a. Pollination: Many insect species, including bees, butterflies, and moths, are important pollinators. They help transfer pollen from the male parts of flowers to the female parts, enabling plants to reproduce and produce fruits and seeds.

   b. Decomposition: Insects such as beetles and flies are essential in the process of decomposition. They break down dead plant and animal matter, returning nutrients to the soil and facilitating nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

   c. Food source: Insects serve as a crucial food source for numerous animals, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other insects. They form an important link in the food chain and contribute to the overall biodiversity of ecosystems.

   d. Pest control: Some insects are natural predators or parasites of pests that can harm crops or spread diseases. By preying on or controlling the populations of pests, insects help maintain the balance of ecosystems and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

4. Bees, specifically honey bees, have several important roles and capabilities:

   a. Pollination: Bees are highly efficient pollinators and play a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of flowering plants, including many crops that humans rely on for food production. They collect nectar and pollen from flowers and inadvertently transfer pollen between flowers, aiding in fertilization and fruit production.

   b. Honey production: Honey bees produce honey, a nutritious and energy-rich food source. They collect nectar from flowers, which they then convert into honey through a process of regurgitation and dehydration.

   c. Beeswax production: Beeswax is produced by bees and is used in the construction of their honeycomb cells. Humans also utilize beeswax in various products such as candles, cosmetics, and polishes.

   d. Hive organization: Bees have a highly complex social structure and live in colonies. Within a colony, different bees perform specific roles such as queen, workers, and drones, each contributing to the overall functioning and survival of the hive.

   e. Biodiversity support: Bees, as pollinators, help maintain biodiversity by facilitating the reproduction of various plant species. They contribute to the health and stability of ecosystems by ensuring the survival of diverse plant populations.

It's important to note that while honey bees are well-known and recognized for their contributions, there are thousands of other bee species and other pollinators that also play important roles in pollination and ecosystem functioning.