Science
Insects & Minibeasts
Conceptual
9–11 yrs
The most successful animals on Earth
地球上最成功的动物
Description
The most successful animals on Earth: there are roughly one million described insect species, and scientists estimate 5–10 million may exist. More insect species than all other animal groups combined. Why so many? Small body size means less food needed, fast reproduction with many offspring, flight allows reaching new habitats, and the exoskeleton is incredibly versatile.
Mastery Evidence
- State that insects are the most species-rich group of animals with about one million known species
- Give at least two reasons why insects are so successful such as small size, fast reproduction, or flight
- Compare insect diversity to another animal group, explaining that there are far more insect species than mammals or birds
Assessment Prompt
Does your child know which group of animals has more species than any other on Earth — and can they explain why insects are so incredibly successful?
Prerequisites 2
Not all minibeasts are insects
必须理解昆虫分类，才能认识物种多样性的意义
Insects in ecosystems
理解生态系统中的角色有助于解释为何进化出如此多样的物种
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