Bugs In The System: Insects And Their Impact On Human Affairs (Helix Books)

Berenbaum, May

ISBN 10: 0201624990 / ISBN 13: 9780201624991

Published by Addison-Wesley, 1995

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 022046

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Bugs In The System: Insects And Their Impact On Human Affairs (Helix Books)
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0201624990
• ISBN 13: 9780201624991
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine

About this title

Synopsis

Insects play such an integral role in the efficient functioning of nature that it is impossible to envision the world without them. Yet we attempt to keep as far away from most insects as possible and are vaguely embarrassed as well as sometimes discomforted when they come too close. Berenbaum, head of the Entomology Dept. at the U. of Illinois, writes with wit and humor about insects, noting the harmful aspects of our interactions with them as well as the obvious benefits we derive from such creatures as honeybees and silkworms, and including the hidden benefits, probably the most important of which is the pollination of plants. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

Reviews

YA-A layman's introduction to the insect world. The book is full of well-written and fascinating descriptions of these creatures and their effects on humans. The section on coprophagy, for example, illustrates the economic importance of the right type of dung beetle to Australian cattle ranchers. A book written with imagination, humor, and skill, and one that will be excellent for assignments.
Clodagh Lee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Berenbaum, a professor of entomology at the University of Illinois, here presents extraordinary information on how insects affect our lives and society. In wars, these creatures caused more deaths than bombs or bullets, according to the author; for example, the louse, carrier of typhus, defeated Napoleon's troops. Fleas (plague) and mosquitos (malaria) have taken a heavy toll on human populations. A gall nearly wiped out the French wine industry in 1860; scale insects have been the source of varnish and dye. And Berenbaum also reminds us that about a third of our food is the direct result of insect pollination. A captivating book of popular science.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.