Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Introduction

Insects are amazing. Over 1,000,000 species of insect have been discovered so far, making up more than half of all living things and around 90 per cent of all species we know of. They’ve been around for more than 350 million years which is longer than the dinosaurs and even some plants!

Over such a long time, insects have adapted to survive in almost every habitat imaginable from the freezing Arctic to the darkest caves and even the open ocean.

Insects From Leeds Museums and Galleries Collection
Insects From Leeds Museums and Galleries Collection


By studying the diverse ways these animals are able to thrive in such environments, scientists (like entomologists) and engineers can find new and innovative solutions to all kinds of challenges facing humanity, from developing new ways to fight diseases to exploring other planets and everything in-between.