Insect Characteristics and Ecosystem Roles

Anna, an educator at the North Carolina Arboretum, introduces the Eco Explore program, which encourages participants to help scientists by photographing wildlife. The video kicks off the entomology season, focusing on insects. It explains that insects are invertebrates with exoskeletons, three body segments, and six legs. The video demonstrates how to identify insects using these characteristics, comparing them to other critters like millipedes and daddy longlegs. It highlights the ecological importance of insects in pollination, decomposition, and as a food source, as well as their cultural significance.

What is the main activity in the Eco Explore program?

• Planting trees

• Taking photos of wild plants and animals

• Cleaning up parks

• Building birdhouses

What is a key characteristic of insects?

• They have four legs

• They have two body segments

• They have an exoskeleton

• They have a bony skeleton

How many body segments do insects have?

• Two

• Four

• Three

• Five

Which of the following is NOT a rule for identifying insects?

• Having six legs

• Having an exoskeleton

• Having three body segments

• Having eight legs

Why is a millipede not considered an insect?

• It can fly

• It has three body segments

• It has more than six legs

• It lacks an exoskeleton

Which critter is identified as an insect?

• Millipede

• Field cricket

• Harvestmen

• Spider

What is the relationship between harvestmen and spiders?

• Harvestmen are insects

• Harvestmen are a type of spider

• Harvestmen are unrelated to spiders

• Harvestmen are arachnids but not spiders

Approximately what percentage of known species on Earth are insects?

• 80%

• 70%

• 60%

• 50%

Which of the following is NOT a role of insects in ecosystems?

• Producing oxygen

• Pollinating plants

• Serving as a food source

• Decomposing dead matter

Why are insects considered fascinating?

• They are the smartest animals

• They live the longest

• They have beautiful colors and amazing abilities

• They are the largest animals