Public event with the Make/Sense PhD Programme

Insects are by far the most varied and abundant animals, outweighing humanity by 17 times. They represent around the 80% of the total animal biomass of the planet and create the biological foundation for all terrestial ecosystems of the planet. They are “essential” for the proper functioning of all ecosystems, as food for other creatures, pollinators, pest controllers, and recyclers of nutrients. Yet, despite its central role in supporting critical life support ecosystems, our relationship with insects is profoundly distant, blinding us from the complex set of interactions that ultimately keep us alive.

Moreover, more than 40% of insect species are declining and a third are endangered. The rate of extinction is eight times faster than that of mammals, birds and reptiles, however, this dramatic loss of interactions is often unacknowledged by the human eye.

With the help of an entomologist, we will wander around Merian Gardens to spot and observe insects. During the tour we will learn about the local species and their symbiotic interactions with the ecosystem, along with information on the declining levels of biomass and other critical particularities of the environment.

makesensephd.ch