Humans regard certain insects as pests, and attempt to control them using insecticides and a host of other techniques. Some insects damage crops by feeding on sap, leaves or fruits. A few parasitic species are pathogenic. Some insects perform complex ecological roles; blow-flies, for example, help consume carrion but also spread diseases. Insect pollinators are essential to the life-cycle of many flowering plant species on which most organisms, including humans, are at least partly dependent; without them, the terrestrial portion of the biosphere (including humans) would be devastated. Many other insects are considered ecologically beneficial as predators and a few provide direct economic benefit. Silkworms and bees have been used extensively by humans for the production of silk and honey, respectively. In some cultures, people eat the larvae or adults of certain insects. COUNT 9
QSN1 By what method do humans often try to control the spread of insects? ANS1 insecticides QSN2 What portion of the biosphere would be devastated absent the complex pollination role of insects? ANS2 terrestrial QSN3 What insect provides a tangible economic benefit via the production of silk? ANS3 Silkworms QSN4 What insect is known to consume carrion? ANS4 blow-flies QSN5 Humans consider most insects as what? ANS5 pests QSN6 Humans can control insects using what? ANS6 insecticides QSN7 Insects have the potential to damage what? ANS7 crops QSN8 Insects can damage crops by feeing on sap, fruits, or what? ANS8 leaves QSN9 Silkworms are used by humans for producing what? ANS9 silk