{"id":1729,"date":"2020-10-31T13:43:44","date_gmt":"2020-10-31T13:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/?p=1729"},"modified":"2023-07-19T08:09:54","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T08:09:54","slug":"why-are-insects-the-most-successful-animals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/why-are-insects-the-most-successful-animals\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are Insects The Most Successful Animals?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Insects make up approximately 75% to 80% of all animals on earth. In fact, all insect body weights combined weigh 300 times more than all humans combined. Ants alone weigh in total more than humans. If for some reason insects suddenly evolved into larger beings and decide to go to war with us humans, there is no shred of doubt that humans will be annihilated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insects exist in astonishing numbers. On average, around 65,000 insects can be found on every square meter. To put that in perspective, at most 9 children fit on one square meter. But why are insects so successful animals?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The success and the remarkable amount of insects are due to their ability to colonize a high diversity of niche environments. Success factors that contribute to this fact are reproduction potential, survival potential, and genetic diversity and adaptation to make most of their environment. Because of this insects comprise around 70-80% of all known animal species on earth. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this series of\u00a0Backyard Bugs<\/a>, we explore wild bugs and how you can provide a better living for them with simple things. The world population of insects and related bugs is rapidly declining. Their important role in the sustainability of life and the future of our planet is often underestimated. This series is to stimulate more and more people to be aware, to act and provide a better environment for these important creatures.<\/em>\u00a0We partner with companies that offer products that we think are great for you to use, and that can help you achieve your goals. If you purchase through our partner links, we get paid for the referral at no additional cost to you! Please read our\u00a0disclaimer<\/a>\u00a0for more info.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Taxonomic groups<\/th>Number described<\/th>Total estimated number<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Insects<\/td>~1,000,000<\/td>~5,000,000<\/td><\/tr>
Other invertebrates<\/td>~360,000<\/td>~1,750,000<\/td><\/tr>
Fish<\/td>31,153<\/td>~40,000<\/td><\/tr>
Birds<\/td>9,990<\/td>~10,000<\/td><\/tr>
Reptiles<\/td>8,734<\/td>~10,000<\/td><\/tr>
Amphibia<\/td>6,515<\/td>~15,000<\/td><\/tr>
Mammals<\/td>5,487<\/td>~5,500<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
The described and estimated number of species on earth is based on Chapman’s (2009) report<\/a>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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“We may have to accept that it’s insects, not us humans, that are the true conquerors of the planet”<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/div>