Why Insects Matter: Earth’s Most Essential Species

by Scott Solomon

In many ways, insects are just like us. Elaborate mating rituals, a variety of parenting styles, and a plethora of careers - from architects and engineers, to farmers and ranchers. Like us, they’re able to share complex information essential for survival, significantly impact their environment, and recycle. But insects outdo us in so many respects. They are terrestrial, but some can live underwater. Their six legs are great for walking or running, but some can glide through the rainforest canopy, and many can fly. And some can create a material many times stronger than steel.

The truth is, our planet belongs to the insects. Taken all together, they out-number us, out-weigh us, and could quite possibly out-last us. They are by far the most diverse group of organisms on Earth, with more than 1,000,000 species identified, as of now - 2,000 times more species than the mammals. In fact, beetles alone account for 23 percent of all plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi combined.

In 24 captivating lectures beautifully illustrated with graphics, photos, and video footage, Professor Scott Solomon shares his passion for these extraordinary creatures. Why Insects Matter: Earth’s Most Essential Species will open your eyes to evolutionary accomplishments you had never even imagined. As many biologists have pointed out, if Homo sapiens simply disappeared one day, the loss would not be terribly disruptive to the rest of life on Earth. But if the insects disappeared, life on this planet would descend into chaos. Insects are Earth’s most essential species.

Having established themselves on Earth 480 million years before any of our genus arose in Africa, insects have survived three mass extinctions; while 75 percent of all living species were extinguished, these animals endured. Just imagine all we could learn from them.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Nature, Biology, Audiobook, Animals

Audible Audio

Published January 7, 2022

Reviews

[Elentarri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a broad overview of the myriad ways that insects are important and the critical roles they play in the Earth’s ecosystems. A fun, accessible and engaging way to learn about insect physiology, behaviour, ecology and their impact on human activities; with a whole world full of insect examples. I liked the combination of information and relevant author anecdotes.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott Solomon’s Why Insects Matter: Earth’s Most Essential Species is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of the critical role insects play in the world’s ecosystems. The book provides a fascinating blend of science, nature, and storytelling, showing how insects impact everything from pollination to soil health, and even human culture. Solomon’s writing is accessible, engaging, and full of intriguing facts that challenge common perceptions about these often-overlooked creatures.

What I appreciated most was the author’s ability to make the science behind insect behavior and ecology both understandable and relatable. His examples are vivid and his passion for the subject is evident throughout. Solomon paints a picture of how much we rely on insects, whether we realize it or not.

However, while the book is incredibly informative, at times it felt a bit dense in terms of technical details. Some sections may be challenging for readers without a strong science background. Still, the overall message about the urgency of protecting insect populations in the face of environmental threats is important and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Why Insects Matter is a must-read for anyone curious about the natural world and the often-overlooked species that keep it running. It offers valuable insights into the delicate balance of life on Earth and why we should care more about the tiny creatures that sustain it.

[Elwin Kline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite Great Course, being kind. - 2 out of 5 star rating.

I usually find Great Courses extremely gripping, but this one just didn't do it for me.

There were about three (3) total sections that I found interest in:

- Flying mechanics of insects
- Silk moths
- Beetles

Everything outside of that... really just didn't pull me in.

My oldest daughter is really into bugs. She loves literally everything she can get her hands on/sees when it comes to them. Ants, bees, spiders, dragonflies, - you name it. I was hoping to connect with her passion with this series of lectures, but it was a miss for me.

I'll need to seek out other avenues to learn and enjoy the world of bugs and insects elsewhere.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio. This title offers a compelling exploration into the critical roles insects play in our ecosystem. The course delves into their impact on pollination, agriculture, decomposition, and biodiversity. Each lecture focused on a specific insect to prove its thesis. My favorite was the bedbug and the honeybee. The only drawback was most chapters contain statements such as "350 million years ago..." (an actual number used) This was my first ever Great Courses. I liked the format whereby if you purchased the lecture (this one was free with Audible membership), the reader received an accompanying PDF.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given my level of interest and how little any of this has anything to do with anything I do or have ever done, there is almost no chance I remember a single thought here. That being said, I loved this book and found it extremely well done. The pace was great, the writing engaging, the information fascinating, and the message important. Even as I forget the specifics I will never view insects the same.

[Ron Kastner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far more fascinating than i had ever expected. I am much more respectful of most insects as a result.

[Mary Foxe · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF.

[Seamus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of really interesting info about bugs! It's a bit dry and slow in parts, but overall it was interesting and worth listening to.

[Alena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpectedly engaging, even could count it as an edutainment

[Sonic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information.

[Brenda Hoskin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a ton of interesting information here though sometimes it gets a little dry.

[Jamie André · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction into the world of insects and entomology

[Enrico · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the same time very interesting and sometimes extremely dry. Learned so much about different insect species.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good overview of knowledge of the insect world. It is organized as lectures. It is educational for those who choose to explore the topics included.