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Global Warming Could Trigger Insect Population Boom
Live Science ^ | 11/08/06

Posted on 11/10/2006 8:14:02 AM PST by presidio9

A rise in the Earth’s temperature could lead to an increase in the number of insects worldwide, with potentially dire consequences for humans, a new study suggests.

New research shows that insect species living in warmer areas are more likely to undergo rapid population growth because they have higher metabolic rates and reproduce more frequently. The finding has scientists concerned that global warming could give rise to more fast-growing insect populations and that we could see a spike in the number of six-legged critters.

The consequences could be more serious than just a few extra bug bites each summer. “If they’re crop species, we could count on needing to use more pesticides and it could be very costly,” said Melanie Frazier, a doctoral student at the University of Washington and lead author of the study.

Insect-borne diseases are also a worry. Malaria, Lyme Disease and a host of others rely on insect vectors to spread among humans, and a swell in their populations could mean more infections.

Already, scientists have observed a widening of malarial zones with new cases appearing in previously unaffected areas. The change is thought to be due to rising temperatures and an expansion of areas habitable for mosquitoes. The new research, detailed in the October issue of The American Naturalist, shows rising temperatures would mean insects would not only spread out, but also multiply more quickly.

Still, Frazier says it’s too soon to predict which species will adapt and which might even face extinction. She and her colleagues looked at 65 insect species and found a correlation between warm climes and population growth across the board – but, she cautioned, the scientists have no way of predicting which species will eventually adapt to new, warmer areas.

We won’t have to wait long to find out. Insects adapt quickly, so we will likely see changes within our lifetime, Frazier says.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Front Page News; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: backoffimascientist; globalwarming; globalwarmingtheory; quitbuggingme; whateverwesayitmeans
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1 posted on 11/10/2006 8:14:03 AM PST by presidio9
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To: presidio9
No problem.


2 posted on 11/10/2006 8:15:19 AM PST by ElkGroveDan
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To: presidio9

In the food chain of life, doesn't it make sense that if there are more insects, there will be more insect eaters.


3 posted on 11/10/2006 8:15:38 AM PST by edcoil (Reality doesn't say much - doesn't need too)
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To: presidio9

Maybe we can bring back DDT finally then?


4 posted on 11/10/2006 8:18:46 AM PST by CertainInalienableRights
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To: presidio9

Could, might, scientists project, possibly, etc. Lazy, pseudo-science.

Weird how journalism has morphed into more of a politics-head's National Enquirer. More and more BS scare tactics to get people to vote in liberals.


5 posted on 11/10/2006 8:19:55 AM PST by L98Fiero (Libertarian = Scapegoat)
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To: presidio9

Insects tend to be high in protein.

Problem solved.


6 posted on 11/10/2006 8:20:02 AM PST by cripplecreek (If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?)
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To: ElkGroveDan

7 posted on 11/10/2006 8:20:30 AM PST by Puppage (You may disagree with what I have to say, but I shall defend to your death my right to say it)
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To: presidio9

I heard England will average 80% in January 2007.
!
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!
!
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!

40 in the morning and 40 at night.
Stolen from Benny Hill







8 posted on 11/10/2006 8:20:39 AM PST by HuntsvilleTxVeteran ("Remember the Alamo, Goliad and WACO, It is Time for a new San Jacinto")
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To: edcoil; presidio9

That's exactly right.
More bugs equals more birds.
But what does more birds equal?


9 posted on 11/10/2006 8:21:47 AM PST by Repeal The 17th
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To: presidio9

My son collects bugs. He'll love this!


10 posted on 11/10/2006 8:22:13 AM PST by gotribe (It's not a religion.)
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To: presidio9

If they know precisely what went on billions of years ago
with each species of plant animal and insect.
Why is it they cant project a few years into the future?
They wouldnt be trying to scare anyone would they?
They dont have a hidden agenda do they?


11 posted on 11/10/2006 8:23:30 AM PST by claptrap (optional tag-line under reconsideration)
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To: presidio9

Oh no, it's too late.

There's already an explosion of cockroaches in congress!


12 posted on 11/10/2006 8:23:40 AM PST by rottndog (WOOF!!!)
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To: presidio9

http://www.orkin.com/


13 posted on 11/10/2006 8:24:38 AM PST by Crawdad (Is this thing on?)
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To: presidio9

I live in Florida. How will I know?


14 posted on 11/10/2006 8:25:03 AM PST by WorkerbeeCitizen (Religion of peace my arse - We need a maintenance Crusade - piss on Islam)
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To: presidio9

This whole thread bugs me!


15 posted on 11/10/2006 8:25:36 AM PST by SoCal Pubbie
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To: L98Fiero
Exactly what I was thinking.

We almost never see real science in the media. It's not sensational enough. And it's not surprising since most "journalists" are semi-literate. Just have some clown with a degree make a statement that predicts chaos, death and disaster and it immediately becomes "true".
16 posted on 11/10/2006 8:26:36 AM PST by Seruzawa (Marx never could compete with the Sears catalog.)
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To: cripplecreek

I wonder if we coyuld use them for fuel?
We could corner the market on insectohol.


17 posted on 11/10/2006 8:26:54 AM PST by Repeal The 17th
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To: All

Don't birds eat bugs...insects and the like?? Lots of birds around!!


18 posted on 11/10/2006 8:27:22 AM PST by cousair
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To: presidio9

Nothing but doom and gloom on the horizon. I may as well crawl in a hole and pull the dirt in behind me.


19 posted on 11/10/2006 8:27:31 AM PST by Piquaboy (22 year veteran of the Army, Air Force and Navy, Pray for all our military .)
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To: presidio9

I'll let you know when fire ants hit NYS.


20 posted on 11/10/2006 8:28:03 AM PST by sageb1 (This is the Final Crusade. There are only 2 sides. Pick one.)
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