Insects

Definition of Insects as it relates to Animals, Fossil Animals, Fossil Vertebrates

Insects are small invertebrate animals belonging to the class Insecta, characterized by a hard exoskeleton, three pairs of legs, and two pairs of wings in many species. They represent the largest group of organisms on Earth, with over one million identified species, making up around 75% of all known animal species. Insects are found in nearly every habitat, from terrestrial to aquatic environments, and play crucial roles in ecosystems as decomposers, pollinators, and food sources for other animals. They display remarkable diversity in morphology, behavior, and life cycles, with some insects exhibiting complex social behaviors, such as bees and ants. Fossilized insects provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of these animals, dating back to the Devonian period, around 400 million years ago. Fossil insects can be found in amber, shale, and other rocks, and their study helps scientists understand past environments, ecosystems, and climate changes. Insects are a subcategory of animals, specifically falling under the phylum Arthropoda, which also includes crustaceans, arachnids, and myriapods. They differ from fossil vertebrates, which include extinct and extant backboned animals such as dinosaurs, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. However, insects can be part of the broader category of fossil animals, which includes all extinct animal species that have left fossil records. Insects are unique in their combination of features and ecological roles, making them an essential component of the natural world. Their diversity and abundance provide ample opportunities for scientific study and understanding of life on Earth.

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  • [Herbivory.com] Insects on Plants, Chemical Ecology, and Coevolution – Website of the Phytophagy Lab at Cornell University, led by a href=https://live-agrawal.pantheonsite.io/prof-anurag-argrawal/Anurag Agrawal/a, a href=https://live-agrawal.pantheonsite.io/2017/11/16/who-was-james-a-perkins/ style=font-style:italic;James A. Perkins Professor of Environmental Studies/a
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  • [entomology.ces.ncsu.edu] Entomology Insect Biology and Management | NC State Extension
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