The Humble Dung Beetle, Essay Example

In the article “Praise the Humble Dung Beetle” author Sharon Begley address the issue of how ecosystems rely on a complex “web of life” that includes plants, animals, insects and other invertebrates. The dung beetle is used as an example of the important roles that insects and invertebrates play in ensuring that organic matter is returned into the life cycle of ecosystems, and how without such creatures the delicate balance of such systems would be thrown off. This is of significant concern to environmental researchers and biologists, many of whom note that hundreds of plants and invertebrates are endangered. While ‘megafauna’ like the rhinoceros, tiger, or gorilla receive the most attention, the greater danger to our environment may be the loss of plants and invertebrates.

The central theme of the piece is that these plants and invertebrates are much more important than many people realize. They help to recycle dead animals, they pollinate crops, they filter water, and they often produce chemicals that are of use in medicines, industry, and agriculture. Begley cites the “airplanes and ecosystems” analogy, in which both things can function with some parts missing, but will fail if too many parts are removed. Several examples of this are provided, including oysters that filter water in the Chesapeake Bay and on which many other species depend. While many of these plants and invertebrates are on the endangered species list, thousands of others are not. Humans are in a race to understand and protect these species as a matter of our own survival.