| Author: | John L. Capinera |
| Release at: | 2013 |
| Pages: | 4411 |
| Edition: | 2nd Edition(Volume 4) |
| Language: | English |
Description of Encyclopedia of Entomology 2nd Edition
Encyclopedia of Entomology 2nd Edition by John L. Capinera is a great book for insects studies, for study. Insects are remarkable biological organisms. They are small enough to escape the detailed scrutiny of most people, but I have yet to meet anyone whom, once provided the opportunity to examine insects closely (through a microscope) is not completely amazed by the detail and complexity of these exquisitely designed (by natural selection) beasties. They are fascinating in function as well as form. Insects are the only invertebrates to fly, they are disproportionately strong, and their ecological adaptability defies belief. For example, some insects produce their own version of anti-freeze, which allows them to be frozen solid yet to regain normal function upon thawing. Their sensory abilities are beyond human comprehension; a male insect can sometimes locate a female by her ‘perfume’ (pheromone) from several kilometers distance. Although not normally considered intelligent, insects display surprisingly complex behaviors, and altruistic social systems that could well serve as models for human societies.
Insects and their close relatives are important for many reasons besides their sheer diversity. Their effect on humans is profound. Insects are our chief competitor for food and fiber resources throughout the world. Annual crop losses of 10 to 15% are attributed to insects, with both pre-harvest and postharvest losses considerably more at times. Insects also are the principal vector of many human, animal, and plant diseases, including viruses, mollicutes, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. The ability to transmit diseases magnifies their effect, and makes it more difficult to manage injury. Over the course of human history, insect-transmitted disease has caused untold human suffering. For example, introduction of flea-transmitted bubonic plague to Europe centuries ago killed millions of people and caused severe disruption to western civilization. Though less dramatic, mosquito-transmitted malaria kills thousands annually throughout the world, and unlike plague, which is now mostly a historical footnote, the toll continues to mount.
Content of Encyclopedia of Entomology 2nd Edition
➤ Major Taxa of Insects and Their Near Relatives
➤ Other Groups
➤ Morphology and Anatomy
➤ Physiology
➤ Genetics
➤ Behavior
➤ Ecology and Evolution
➤ Microbiology and Pathology
➤ Humans and Insects
➤ Notable and Pioneer Entomologists
➤ Pest Management
➤ Pesticides and Pesticide Application
➤ Pests Groups and Their Management
➤ Medical and Veterinary Entomology
➤ Arthropods of Economic Importance
Index
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