Hands on Bugs!
This project, titled Hands on Bugs!, will introduce the community to a class of animals that comprise over 75% of all living things on earth. Due to their vast numbers, insects have an extreme influence on American culture. Insect evolution, various orders, anatomy, habitats, metamorphism, and how bugs have shaped our culture and continue to influence people's lives are a few topics this project will cover.
One goal is to show the evolutionary history of insects. A biologist from the Indiana University of South Bend will create a phylogeny tree depicting how insects of long ago evolved into the creatures we see today. Insects today are vastly different from the ones they evolved from millions of years ago.
A second goal is to introduce major orders of insects and provide examples of individual species in each. This collection will aid in identification and taxonomy skills, which are difficult to master without visual aids.
A third goal is to teach about the different types of metamorphism insects go through. Many people are aware that insects undergo a process of change called metamorphis but not the different styles.
A fourth goal is depicting how insects defent themselves with a technique called mimicry. Insects have unique ways of avoiding predation and a common one is mimicry.
A fifth goal is showing the niche insects have in the environment. Every living thing on earth has a purpose, including pesky bugs. Many people complain and think mosquitoes have no purpose in life. However, they are a majorfood source for bats, frogs, and various birds. Many fish species depend on insects for survival which, in turn, allows many fisher folk better opportunities to catch that prize fish.
A sixth goal is to teach insect anatomy using models, books, posters, and microscopes.
The final goal is to show how insects have such a strong influence on American culture. They can influence where one vacations and lives. They provide recreational activities, hobbies, and culinary snacks. Insects are being used extensively in the medical and forensic communities. They save lives, spread diseases, and aid in solving criminal cases. Some insects bring people great joy and beauty while others bring abject misery and sorrow. In some way, directly or indirectly, insects will influence the lives of every person on earth.