Entomology, Department of
Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects
First Advisor
Erin Bauer
Date of this Version
2024
Document Type
Project
Citation
ENTO 888, MS project
Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2024
Abstract
Introduction
Insects are regarded by many to be among the most successful organisms on earth, displaying remarkable diversity, resilience, and adaptations, allowing them the ability to inhabit and exploit a wide array of niche environments. If sheer numbers are utilized as a yardstick by which to measure success, it has been estimated that there may be as many as 10 quintillion insects alive and active at any given time (Sabrosky, 1952). In terms of species diversity, estimates have ranged from as many as 30 million based on research and collections in tropical forest canopies (Erwin, 1982) to more recent, conservative estimates of approximately 5.5 million insect species (and closer to 7 million for terrestrial arthropods as a whole) based on new statistical models (Stork, 2018). How have insects managed to become so successful? Among reasons for this are undoubtably their ability to evolve and adapt to changing environments and diversify to meet new challenges and exploit resources. It is the goal of this project to review and synthesize the current literature outlining the evolutionary trajectory of insects, from their earliest origins through their greatest divisions and adaptations in morphology and physiology, before attempting to trace the lineage of three of the four largest orders (Hymenoptera, Diptera, and the Coleoptera) along with prevailing arguments as to how and why such diversification may have occurred. While there may admittedly be some gaps in our understanding as to the origin and evolution of some of these structures and lineages, this should serve as a flexible foundation of understanding, with advances and revisions anticipated as research in this field continues to grow.
Comments
Copyright 2024, Jason Thompson. Used by permission