INVERTEBRADOS

1. ¿WHAT ARE INVERTEBRATES USED FOR?
Invertebrates are a large family of animals that have great ecological importance. You
will wonder how they can be so important: well, I will explain it to you below.
This large group of animals is a source of food for many other larger animals, such as
vertebrates, including humans. Octopuses, squid, oysters, crabs, mussels, lobsters and
many more invertebrates are part of our diet. In addition, invertebrates help in the
biological control of pests and balance ecosystems. Another function that some
invertebrates can perform is pollination, transporting pollen from one plant to another,
fertilizing them and, therefore, causing them to reproduce. Thanks to invertebrates we
can enjoy fruits and seeds, since they perform essential work in nature.
Many species of invertebrates are used as a source of raw materials. From bees we
obtain honey, royal jelly or wax; Thanks to the worms and their cocoons we obtain silk
with which to make clothing and from the oysters we can obtain pearls, among many
other examples.
Invertebrates are also used directly by humans. They provide
us with food (honey), fabrics (silk), dyes (cochineal) and food
(seafood).
Other invertebrates cause damage to crops and cause or
transmit diseases to humans and livestock. But among them there are some that are
especially beneficial for agriculture because they destroy others that are harmful.

2. Biological pest control consists of the use of competing or predatory species that reduce
pests without the dangerous ecological effects of pesticides.
A very important activity is carried out by worms, centipedes, snails, insects and their
larvae, which fragment the organic matter present in the soil. They are plowers and
crumblers. They pierce the soil, aerating the soil and improving its structure. They open
grooves and pores that retain water and air and house the roots. In addition, they break
down and transform organic matter, preparing it for decomposition by fungi and
bacteria.
Invertebrates are endangered due to the destruction of their habitats through
deforestation, intensive agriculture or the urbanization of different areas. All of these
actions reduce the space where they can live and force them to move to other areas.
Pollution and climate change also affect the survival of invertebrates since they are
especially sensitive to changes in the environment. It is important to care for and
maintain nature and our environment to avoid the decline of invertebrate colonies, as
well as the extinction of some of their species.