Insects
Insects are a class of arthropods and comprise the largest and most diverse group of animals on Earth. They have a chitinous exoskeleton, a body divided into three main segments (head, thorax, abdomen), one pair of antennae, and typically six legs. Many also bear one or two pairs of wings at some life stage. Insects occupy nearly every habitat, from deserts to forests, grasslands, mountains, and freshwater environments.
Most insects undergo metamorphosis, which comes in two main forms. Incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolism) includes egg, nymph,
Anatomically, insects breathe through a tracheal system connected to spiracles on the body surface. They typically
Ecologically, insects fulfill essential roles. They pollinate many crop plants and wildflowers, help decompose organic matter,
Threats to insects include habitat loss, pesticides, pollution, and climate change, which can reduce diversity and