Why Insects Matter: Earth’s Most Essential Species

The truth is, our planet belongs to the insects. Taken all together, they outnumber us, outweigh us, and could quite possibly outlast us. They are by far the most diverse group of organisms on Earth, with more than 1,000,000 species identified, as of now—2,000 times more species than the mammals. In fact, beetles alone account for 23% of all plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi combined. In 24 captivating lectures beautifully illustrated with graphics, photos, and video footage, Professor Scott Solomon shares his passion for these extraordinary creatures. Why Insects Matter: Earth’s Most Essential Species will open your eyes to evolutionary accomplishments you had never even imagined. As many biologists have pointed out, if Homo sapiens simply disappeared one day, the loss would not be terribly disruptive to the rest of life on Earth. But if the insects disappeared, life on this planet would descend into chaos. Insects are Earth’s most essential species.