# The hidden ways insects support animal life—from habitat to health—go way beyond being food

- Source: Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories
- Published: 2026-11-07T21:00:01+00:00
- Category: Science
- Original: https://phys.org/news/2026-11-hidden-ways-insects-animal-life.html
- Canonical: https://groundlevelnews.com/story/the-hidden-ways-insects-support-animal-life-from-habitat-to-health-go--ded466/

There are at least 14 million insect species on Earth, and they play highly diverse roles in sustaining the natural world. Insects provide many well-known benefits—what scientists often call "ecosystem services." For example, you can thank a bee or a hoverfly for pollinating wildflowers and agricultural crops, or credit dung beetles for decomposing manure and other waste materials.

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