Insects play vital roles in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and breaking down waste.
Conservation efforts are crucial to support insect diversity and abundance amidst global population declines.
Deep dives
The Importance of Insects for the Environment
Insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants, breaking down waste, and serving as food sources for various animals. Despite some negative perceptions, most insects are harmless and contribute significantly to maintaining a healthy environment.
Challenges Faced by Insects
Climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use are causing a decline in insect populations globally. Scientists have observed a significant decrease in insect species, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to support insect diversity and abundance.
Ways to Support Insects
Individual actions, such as planting native plants in gardens and reducing pesticide use, can help create insect-friendly habitats and promote insect well-being. By making small changes in our daily lives, we can contribute to the preservation of insect populations.
Changing Perspectives on Insects
Despite initial discomfort towards insects, gaining knowledge about their beneficial roles can lead to a greater appreciation for these tiny creatures. Educating oneself about the importance of insects can help shift perceptions and foster a positive attitude towards their presence in the environment.
Insects can live almost anywhere: backyards, mountaintops, scorching hot deserts, underwater, even on Antarctica! There are more than a million different species out there, from speedy dragonflies that zip through the air as fast as a car to rainbow-colored beetles living in tropical rainforests. Plus, scientists are discovering new ones all the time! But why does the world need bugs? And why do they make us feel a little icky sometimes? In this super buggy episode, Molly and co-host Lorna meet bug scientist Meredith Cenzer and learn more about what we can do to protect our tiny friends.
This episode was sponsored by:
Indeed (Indeed.com/BRAINS - Terms and conditions apply. Cost per application pricing not available for everyone.)
***** Do you have your Smarty Pass yet?? Get yours today for just $4/month (or $36/year) and get bonus episodes every month, and ad-free versions of every episode of Brains On, Smash Boom Best, Moment of Um, and Forever Ago. Visit www.smartypass.org to get your Smarty Pass today!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode