Insect Biodiversity, Taxonomy, And Classification Flashcards
How many insect orders and species exist?
30 insect orders
3-80 million species
How do Hemiptera differ from other major orders?
Hemiptera undergoes incomplete metamorphosis
What are the most common orders?
Coleoptera (30%)(>350K)
Diptera (150K)
Hymenoptera (>150K) (bees, wasps, and ants)
Lepidoptera (150K) (butterflies and moths)
Hemiptera (>100K) (true bugs)
What is biodiversity? (2)
the range of variation found among microorganisms, fungi, and plants
Richness of species of living organisms
What are biodiversity hotspots, and how does it affect insects?
Near the equator
Insects thrive in warm, stable climates
Provides a stable breeding opportunity year-round
What are the levels of biodiversity?
Genetic
species
ecological
Why are insects so diverse? (6)
Size
high fecundity
sensory and neuromotor system (evades capture)
short lifespan (allows genetic change commonly)
Coevolution (evolves with predator)
metamorphosis (larvae and adult dont compete for food)
What is taxonomy?
the science of classifying organisms
What is traditional taxonomy?
categorizes insects based on morphology and behavior
What is modern taxonomy? (2)
categorizes insects based on DNA sequencing
Cannot be solely classified using DNA
What is Linnaean system?
described species are given two names
Genus
Species
Prefix super- meaning
above
Prefix sub- meaning
below
prefix intra- meaning
below
Tribe meaning
Taxon below subfamily
What are the rules for common name? (2)
No capital letters used unless they contain a proper noun
ex- Asian giant hornet; northern giant hornet
Written as two or more words if species belong to the classification
ex- Honey bee belongs to the genus A[is as opposed to just bee
ex- Little fire ants as opposed to ant
What are the rules for scientific names? (3)
Contain the genus and species
Italicized
Names of authors of species follow after
Orcytes rhinoceros (Linnaeus)
How are ID books classified?
Using taxonomy
Uses family level
Why aren’t genus or species level ID used?
you need specialized taxonomic keys or expert
why are insects important for biodiversity?
Creates a biological foundation for terrestrial ecosystems
How do insects affect soil? (3)
Cycle soil nutrients
Maintains soil structure
Maintain soil fertility
How do insects affect plants? (2)
Disperse seeds
Pollinate plants
How do insects interact with other organisms? (3)
Control populations of other organisms
Major food source for other taxa
Decomposition of dead animals
How do insects affect nutritients in the environment?
Recycle nutrients in the ecosystem
How do plants affect insect in history? (2)
Plants appeared right before insects, 475 million years ago
some plants evolved with polinators
When did insects first appear?
450 million years ago on land
When did insects develop wings?
370 million years ago
When did insects develop complete metamorphosis?
280-300 million years ago
When did insects evolve into eusocial insects?
150 million years ago
What is interesting about the history if insects?
Resilient to mass extinction
