Quote from E. O. Wilson, an American biologist, researcher (sociobiology, biodiversity, island biogeography), theorist (consilience, biophilia), naturalist (conservationist) and author.
Something for the “what is x bug good for anyway?” People to consider
Ecologist here with some clarifications (sorry, E.O.):
1. “Equilibrium” doesn’t exist! Change is the only constant! Ten thousand years ago climate and organisms were totally different! Chances are very high that it’s impossible to recreate the past even if humans disappeared!
2. If insects vanished, a lot of plants and animals would go extinct yes - but “collapse” depends on your perspective (e.g. plants and animals that could adapt would be like “sweet all my competitors are dead”). Certainly from a human perspective it would be catastrophic though so I’m not saying don’t protect the insects - please do!
Very true @bikewatch! Honestly, I’m always torn on sharing not-entirely-factual statements that make an impactful and useful point (like this one).
