Though the term “entomology” was only formally coined in the early 1800s, humans’ fascination with insects dates back thousands of years. Insects account for roughly 75% of all known animal species, so it’s not hard to understand why these tiny creatures have piqued both curiosity and (at times) exasperation from frustrated gatherers and farmers.
Since its inception, the field of entomology has drawn contributions from early naturalists to modern-day entomologists working to decode the mysteries behind these ever-present creatures. This article explores the journey of entomology from its roots in ancient appreciation and observation to modern research methods, so we can better understand how this once-niche field became a thriving and essential discipline.
Ancient Foundations of Entomology
While the ancient origins of entomology weren’t strictly scientific, insects still played an important role in ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks. For instance, ancient Egyptians revered the scarab beetle. Although often seen today as a common dung beetle, the scarab held deep symbolic meaning in ancient Egypt, representing Khepri, the god of creation, rebirth and the rising sun. Scarab imagery was used extensively in amulets, to seal documents and in jewelry, symbolizing transformation and protection.
The Greeks took a more scientific approach to their interest in insects. Aristotle was fascinated by the metamorphosis of insects from the larval stage to adulthood. He documented and classified several types of insects, studying their anatomy, behaviors and habitats, and laid the foundation for a more formal study of entomology that would influence scientific thought for centuries.
Taxonomy and Microscopes
During the 17th century, the development of the microscope opened up new possibilities for studying insect anatomy. Scientists such as Marcello Malpighi utilized microscopes to observe the intricate structure of insects, including their respiratory systems and reproductive organs. These discoveries provided significant insights into insect morphology and physiology, laying the groundwork for modern entomological studies.
Building upon these advancements, Carl Linnaeus developed a biological classification system for flora and fauna, including insects, during the 1700s. Ever heard of the Danaus plexippus? That’s the monarch butterfly, with Danaus representing its genus and plexippus its specific species. This formal naming structure helps scientists distinguish between related species and understand their unique characteristics.
Linnaeus’ taxonomy framework enabled scientists to systematically categorize species based on shared physical characteristics and evolutionary relationships. While modern science has refined Linnaeus’s original system, his foundational principles remain central to contemporary biological classification.
Darwin and Evolutionary Theory
The 1800s marked a time of extreme growth in entomology, largely due to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and the principle of natural selection. According to natural selection, creatures that are best adapted to their environments are most likely to survive.
In this context, entomologists learned that some species of insects showed remarkable abilities in mimicry, or the ability to imitate the appearance of another species. This unique ability gave those species an evolutionary advantage, keeping them safer from predators than similar insects that did not possess such adaptabilities.
20th Century Advances
In the 20th century, scientists and entomologists advanced their understanding of insect evolution by combining two important frameworks: Darwin’s principle of natural selection and Gregor Mendel’s genetics. Mendel’s groundbreaking work revealed how traits, such as eye or wing color in insects, are passed down from parents to offspring through genetic materials.
By integrating these theories, the concept of modern synthesis was established around 1943. This framework explains how evolution occurs through gradual changes in genes over time. As insects adapt to their environments, small genetic alterations allow them to survive in new conditions.
The viceroy butterfly provides a perfect example of modern synthesis. Some viceroys have evolved to resemble the bright, warning colors of the monarch butterfly, an insect that is toxic to predators. While viceroys themselves are harmless, those with coloring similar to monarchs are less likely to be eaten because predators often mistake viceroys for the toxic species.
Contemporary Research
While entomologists still rely on traditional taxonomy to gain basic insights into insect relationships, advanced research techniques like DNA sequencing have transformed their understanding of insect evolution. DNA sequencing allows for more precise classification of insects based on genetic similarities and differences. To gather this information, scientists do the following:
- Extract insect DNA using a small sample, like a leg or wing. Then, they isolate DNA from the cells of that sample.
- Read the DNA code with special machines, called DNA sequencers, to reveal how closely related different insect species are.
- Compare the sequences to better understand the evolutionary lineage and genetic relationships across insect species.
With this information, scientists can also determine where species came from and how they evolved.
Discover Your Passion for Entomology at the University of Florida
From ancient symbolism to cutting-edge genetics, the study of entomology has transformed dramatically over the centuries. If you feel inspired to contribute to this rapidly expanding field, the University of Florida offers a comprehensive online master’s degree in entomology, where you’ll focus on building a foundation in entomology and enjoy the opportunity to specialize in a preferred area of interest.
If you have a background in the industry or a related field and simply want to focus on a particular area, we also offer online graduate certificate programs in areas like pest management and beekeeping that will equip you with the knowledge needed to make your resume stand out and advance your career.
Explore our diverse program offerings to choose the one that aligns with your goals.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123741448001284
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2019.0074
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1973966
https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199941728/obo-9780199941728-0115.xml