Lab 1 - Insect Identification

Question 1

The name of the order “Hymenoptera” means ‘membrane wings’. Why don’t all ants have wings?

Answer 1

Ants have wings to disperse and reproduce, worker ants simply don’t need them while they are not mature (adult).

Question 2

Explain what would happen to crop plants if insects were extinct:

Answer 2

Crop plants are usually pollinated by insects, so without insects, they would cease to reproduce, also because the soil will cease to be aerated by insects (ants).

Question 3

Explain what would happen to birds and land vertebrates if insects were extinct:

Answer 3

Birds and land vertebrates won’t have access to insects they eat, specialized foliage and fruits. They would become extinct.