Insects in ecosystems

ScienceInsects & MinibeastsAges 9–11

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?

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Learning resources

Reviewed external links that reinforce this concept. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.

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The teaching approach above still stands. Curated practice links will appear here as the shelf fills.

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3 before · 2 after

Before

Minibeasts in the food chainRequired first Bees and pollinationRequired first Food Chains & Energy Transfer

This concept

Insects in ecosystemsConceptual concept

Threats to insects and conservation The most successful animals on Earth

Check 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

“If you asked your child 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?”

Curriculum record

Type: Conceptual
Subject: Science
Domain: Insects & Minibeasts
Age range: Ages 9–11