What Would Happen If Wasps Disappeared?
WouterDespite being an extremely important part of our ecosystem, wasps are often associated with danger. But scientists are asking for the public’s help to learn more about the role of these insects in the natural world.
Wasps are an integral part of the food chain. They regulate the populations of many species. The loss of wasps can have serious consequences for the ecosystem. It could mean fewer plants, which would lead to food shortages. Also, many plants would not be pollinated as well as they are now.
Scientists are investigating the possibility of using the venom of wasps to kill cancer cells. The venom has a chemical that selectively kills cancerous cells. If the venom could be used in medical treatments, the human population would be protected from these insects.
These insects are also an important food source for other animals. Cockroaches, for example, are prey for many different birds and mammals. In some parts of the world, humans also eat cockroaches.
Aside from being a food source for other animals, wasps are also essential for our ecosystem. They are important in pollinating plants and helping to regulate populations of other insects. They also help to control pests.
Many species of wasps also feed on cockroaches. These parasitic wasps rely on the eggs of cockroaches to survive. These parasitic wasps are useful in crop agriculture as pest controllers. But if these parasitic wasps went extinct, the food webs would be disrupted.
