Science·Insects & Minibeasts·conceptual
Insects in ecosystems
Insects in ecosystems: the many roles insects play. Pollinators (bees, butterflies, hoverflies), decomposers (dung beetles, fly larvae), food source for birds, bats, fish, and frogs, and pest controllers (ladybirds eating aphids). The thought experiment: what would happen if all insects disappeared?
Suggested ages 9–11
Evidence of understanding
- Name at least three different ecological roles that insects play such as pollinator, decomposer, and food source
- Explain how the removal of one insect group like bees would affect plants, other animals, and humans
- Describe a specific example of insects as pest controllers such as ladybirds controlling aphid populations
Assessment prompt
If you asked Insects in ecosystems what would happen if all the insects in the world disappeared tomorrow, could they explain the chain of problems that would cause — for plants, animals, and people?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.