Insects and their Relatives

Insects are among the most adaptable group of animals on earth. They thrive in many environments including deserts, rain forests, hot springs, snow and in caves. There are more insects than all the other plants and animals combined. Fortunately, less than 1% of all known insects are considered pests that cause economical loss or are of medical importance. Insects are highly important because they serve multiple functions in the ecology of the earth. They are efficient pollinators, macrodecomposers and biological control agents. Most insects are also part of the food chain for larger animals.