Orthoptera and the natural sciences

From HopperWiki
(Redirected from Natural sciences)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Management and technologyGovernanceArts and humanitiesSocial sciencesNatural sciences
Representation of the locust social-ecological-technical system (SETS). Click the symbols inside one of the circles to explore the theme.
Placeholder image

Orthoptera research in the natural sciences spans diverse disciplines, including taxonomy, evolutionary biology, physiology, behavior, and ecology. Studies reveal their deep evolutionary history, the genetic and physiological mechanisms of their development and movement, and their ecological roles as herbivores and prey. Researchers also investigate their communication, neurobiology, and feeding strategies, as well as the effects of climate change on their distribution and population dynamics. By integrating molecular techniques, field studies, and emerging technologies, scientists continue to refine our understanding of Orthoptera and their broader significance in ecosystems and biology.

Fundamental research in Orthoptera

  • Illustrations of Orthoptera from Jardine Naturalist's library Entomology Plate 17
    Illustrations of Orthoptera from Jardine Naturalist's library Entomology Plate 17
  • Diagram of the mechanism of the hind leg of a grasshopper (from Snodgrass 1929).
    Diagram of the mechanism of the hind leg of a grasshopper (from Snodgrass 1929).
  • Closeup of an ear in the leg of Melanoplus femurrubrum.
    Closeup of an ear in the leg of Melanoplus femurrubrum.
  • The gigantic Triassic Gigatitan vulgaris Sharov, 1968. Nearly complete body with wings and fore legs.
    The gigantic Triassic Gigatitan vulgaris Sharov, 1968. Nearly complete body with wings and fore legs.
  • Molting of a Gaudy Grasshopper (Neorthacris acuticeps)
    Molting of a Gaudy Grasshopper (Neorthacris acuticeps)
  • A Lilac-breasted Roller bird feeds on a species of Acrididae.
    A Lilac-breasted Roller bird feeds on a species of Acrididae.

The study of grasshoppers, crickets, katydids (bush crickets) and their kin falls within the field of entomology, the branch of natural sciences dedicated to understanding insects. These remarkable creatures belong to the order Orthoptera, a diverse and ancient group that has played a key role in ecosystems for hundreds of millions of years. Scientists in taxonomy and systematics work to classify this vast diversity, identifying evolutionary relationships among species and tracing how they have adapted to different environments over time [1]. Paleoentomology, through fossil discoveries, has revealed extinct relatives of modern Orthoptera, showing how their wing structures, feeding habits, and survival strategies evolved alongside shifting climates and ecosystems [2][3].

Modern phylogenetics and molecular biology have further refined our understanding of Orthopteran evolution, using genetic sequencing to reconstruct their evolutionary history and identify the genes responsible for key traits [4]. In particular, researchers have uncovered how genetic and hormonal mechanisms govern developmental processes, including the extraordinary phase transformation seen in locusts, where environmental conditions trigger a shift from solitary individuals to gregarious swarm behavior [5]. This research links closely with physiology and biomechanics, which explore how specialized musculature and respiratory adaptations allow these insects to jump long distances, sustain flight, and survive in diverse habitats.

Beyond individual adaptations, behavioral ecology and bioacoustics reveal how Orthoptera interact with their environments and each other. Crickets and katydids, for example, rely on intricate acoustic signaling to communicate, attracting mates or defending territories through species-specific calls [6]. Studies of neurobiology have shed light on how these insects process sensory information, regulate movement, and respond to environmental changes, offering insight into broader principles of animal behavior and communication.

At the ecosystem level, Orthoptera play a vital role as primary consumers, shaping plant communities and serving as prey for many predators. Nutritional ecology examines their feeding strategies and dietary preferences, helping to explain their influence on vegetation dynamics and the feedback between land-use change and orthopteran populations [7][5][8][9], and ecosystem stability. Meanwhile, biogeography and climate science investigate how Orthopteran species are distributed across the globe and how factors like temperature and habitat change influence their populations. As climate shifts alter ecosystems, researchers are increasingly focused on how these insects may expand or contract their ranges in response to new environmental pressures.

Through fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and advanced technologies such as remote sensing and genetic analysis, scientists continue to uncover the fundamental principles that shape Orthoptera biology. While this research has direct applications for fields like conservation and agriculture, its primary aim is to deepen our understanding of these remarkable insects and their place in the natural world. By studying their evolution, physiology, behavior, and ecological roles, researchers not only refine our knowledge of Orthoptera but also contribute to broader scientific discussions about adaptation, biodiversity, and environmental change.

Resources

No results found in the database at this time—please reach out if you have any to share!


Natural sciences pages

Organizations associated with natural sciences

Organization name Acronym Website Type Focus Focus keywords Geographic purview
Agency of Plant Protection and Quarantine of the Republic of Uzbekistan UzNIIZR http://karantin.uz/ Government Research Natural sciences
All-Russian Institute for Plant Protection VIZR https://www.vizrspb.ru/en/about-institute/ Government Research, Management Biological control, Monitoring, Control, Natural sciences
Australian Plague Locust Commission APLC http://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/locusts Government Management, Research, Governance Agricultural development, Control, Coordination, Education, Emergency assistance, Forecasting, Funding, Governance, Information hub, International development, Media, Monitoring, Policy, Regional cooperation, Research, Sustainable development, Technology, Training, Natural sciences
Bangladesh Agricultural University BAU https://www.bau.edu.bd University Research Natural sciences
Betram Lab University Research Mating behavior, Natural sciences
Bioacoustics and Sensory Biology Lab http://bioacousticssensorybiology.weebly.com/lab-members.html University Research Natural sciences
Biological Laboratory for the Protection and Management of Special Species in Xinjiang Particular Environments University Research Natural sciences
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation EMBRAPA https://www.embrapa.br Government Development, Management, Governance, Research Agricultural development, Control, Emergency assistance, International development, Media, Monitoring, Regional cooperation, Sustainable development, Technology, Training, Natural sciences
Bug Guts Lab https://www.siue.edu University Research Natural sciences Illinois
Buhl Laboratory https://www.researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/jerome.buhl University Research Natural sciences
Center for Parasitological and Vector Studies CEPAVE https://www.cepave.edu.ar University Research, Development Agricultural development, Natural sciences
Center for the Advanced Study of Collective Behavior https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/ University Research Natural sciences
Centre for Overseas Pest Research COPR Non-profit Organization Natural sciences
Chad National Locust Control Agency ANLA University Research, Management, Governance Control, Forecasting, Monitoring, Regional cooperation, Training, Natural sciences
Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar UCAD https://www.ucad.sn/ University Research Natural sciences
China Agricultural University CAU https://en.cau.edu.cn/ University Research Natural sciences
Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Zoology University Research Natural sciences
Comité de Sanidad Vegetal del Cono Sur COSAVE http://www.cosave.org/pagina/bienvenidos-al-comite-de-sanidad-vegetal-cosave# Non-governmental Organization Education, Management, Governance, Information Hub Coordination, Training, Control, Natural sciences
Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region CRC http://desertlocust-crc.org Intergovernmental Organization Management, Governance, Education, Information Hub Training, Regional cooperation, Monitoring, Control, Forecasting, Natural sciences
Directorate General for Plant Protection DGPV http://www.agricultureelevage.gouv.ne/direction-generale-de-la-protection-des-vegetaux-dgpv/ Government Research, Management Control, Training, Monitoring, Pesticides, Natural sciences
Directorate of Plant Protection DPV https://dpvsenegal.sn/ Government Management, Research, Education Monitoring, Control, Training, Natural sciences
El Vallecito Agricultural Research Institute https://www.uagrm.edu.bo/ University Management, Governance, Research Animal husbandry, Monitoring, Coordination, Natural sciences
FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in Northwest Africa CLCPANO http://www.fao.org/ag/locusts/en/publicat/meeting/topic/regc/clcpano/index.html Intergovernmental Organization Governance, Education, Management, Research Training, Regional cooperation, Monitoring, Control, Natural sciences
FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in South-West Asia SWAC http://www.fao.org/ag/locusts/swac/swac-home/en/ Intergovernmental Organization Information Hub, Education, Governance Training, Monitoring, Control, Regional cooperation, Natural sciences
FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Western Region CLCPRO http://www.fao.org/clcpro/fr/ Intergovernmental Organization Governance, Research, Management Training, Regional cooperation, Monitoring, Control, Natural sciences
FAO Desert Locust Control Committee DLCC https://www.fao.org/ag/locusts/en/publicat/meeting/topic/dlcc/index.html Intergovernmental Organization Development, Management, Governance Agricultural development, Community development, Control, International development, Regional cooperation, Sustainable development, Training, Natural sciences
FAO Desert Locust Information Service DLIS https://www.fao.org/ag/locusts/en/info/info/index.html Intergovernmental Organization Development, Management, Education, Governance, Information Hub, Funding Agricultural development, Community development, Control, Coordination, Emergency assistance, Forecasting, International development, Media, Monitoring, Policy, Regional cooperation, Sustainable development, Technology, Training, Early warning, Natural sciences
FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Plant Pests ECTTP http://www.fao.org/emergencies/emergency-types/plant-pests-and-diseases/ir/ Intergovernmental Organization Management, Governance Coordination, Monitoring, Natural sciences
FAO Emergency Prevention System for Transboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases EMPRES http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/programmes/en/empres.html Intergovernmental Organization Management, Governance, Research Monitoring, Control, Training, Regional cooperation, Natural sciences
FAO Plant Production and Protection Division NSP https://www.fao.org/agriculture/plant-production-and-protection/en/ Intergovernmental Organization Information Hub Agricultural development, Community development, Emergency assistance, Forecasting, Regional cooperation, Sustainable development, Training, Natural sciences
Federal University of São Carlos UFSCar https://www2.ufscar.br/ University Research Natural sciences
Gaston Berger University UBG https://www.ugb.edu.sn University Development, Management, Research, Education Agricultural development, Community development, Control, Arts and humanities, International development, Monitoring, Sustainable development, Training, Natural sciences
Global Locust Initiative GLI https://www.locust.asu.edu University Research, Education, Information Hub Sustainable development, Ecology, Nutrition, Social science, Natural sciences, Agriculture, Agroecology, Biology, Behavior, Biological control, Climate change, Education, Sustainability science, Geometric framework, Grazing, Governance, Food security, Arts and humanities, Land use management, Landscape ecology, Locusts, Migration, Phase polyphenism, Phenotypic plasticity, Soil science Arizona
Government of the Province of Córdoba https://www.cba.gob.ar Government Research Climate change, Natural sciences
Grassland Insect Ecology Lab http://www.k-state.edu/grassland University Funding Insect community ecology, Plant/insect interactions, Grassland ecology, Natural sciences Kansas
Grassland Research Institute University Research Natural sciences
Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute https://gadi.dalrrd.gov.za/index.php University Natural sciences
IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre ICPAC https://www.icpac.net/ Intergovernmental Organization Development, Management, Research Forecasting, Agricultural development, International development, Early warning, Natural sciences
Illinois State University https://illinoisstate.edu/ University Research Natural sciences Illinois
India Locust Warning Organization LWO https://www.ppqs.gov.in/divisions/locust-control-research Government Management, Information Hub, Research Monitoring, Control, Forecasting, Training, Natural sciences
Insect Neurobiology Group https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/research/groups/insect-neuro University Research Behavioral neuroscience, Biology, Insect behavior, Insect locomotion, Neurobiology, Neurophysiology, Phase polyphenism, Phenotypic plasticity, Physiology, Natural sciences
Institute of Social and Economic Research University Research Economics, Natural sciences Alaska
Inter-American Coordinating Group in Plant Protection GICSV http://apps.iica.int/GICSV/programas/SanidadVegetal/default.aspx Intergovernmental Organization Governance Regional cooperation, Natural sciences
Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture IICA https://iica.int/es Non-governmental Organization Development Agricultural development, Natural sciences
Intergovernmental Authority on Development IGAD https://igad.int/ Intergovernmental Organization Development, Management, Research Forecasting, Agricultural development, International development, Natural sciences
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology ICIPE http://www.icipe.org/ Non-profit Organization Research, Education Sustainable development, Training, Natural sciences
International Red Locust Control Organization for Central and Southern Africa IRLCO CSA https://www.uia.org/s/or/en/1100036231 Intergovernmental Organization Management, Governance, Funding Monitoring, Control, Regional cooperation, Forecasting, Natural sciences
Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences JIRCAS https://www.jircas.go.jp/en Government Research, Development Agricultural development, Control, Natural sciences
Karl-Franzens University Graz Uni-graz https://www.uni-graz.at University Management Control, Technology, Natural sciences
Kazakh Research Institute for Plant Protection and Quarantine NIIZKR https://www.niizkr.kz/ Government Research, Management, Education Training, Control, Monitoring, Natural sciences
Lanzhou University https://en.lzu.edu.cn University Research Natural sciences
Le Centre National de Lutte Antiacridienne CNLA http://www.cnla.mr/ Government Research, Management, Governance Monitoring, Control, Coordination, Forecasting, Natural sciences
Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior https://collectivebehaviour.com/couzin-lab/ University Collective movement, Collective movement, Natural sciences
McGill University https://www.mcgill.ca University Research Natural sciences
Molecular and Human Genetics https://www.bcm.edu University Research Neuroscience, Natural sciences Texas
National Agricultural Technology Institute INTA https://inta.gob.ar/ Government Education, Information Hub, Governance, Research, Management Training, Regional cooperation, Agricultural development, Control, Sustainable development, Coordination, Monitoring, Natural sciences
National Autonomous University of Mexico UNAM https://www.english.unam.mx/ University Research Natural sciences
National Grasshopper Management Board NGMB https://www.sites.google.com/site/ngmborg/home Non-profit Organization Governance, Management Coordination, Natural sciences Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
National Institute of Plant Protection of Algeria INPV http://www.inpv.edu.dz/ Government Governance, Management, Information Hub, Development Regional cooperation, Control, Forecasting, Monitoring, Coordination, Agricultural development, Training, Natural sciences
National Plant and Seed Health and Quality Service SENAVE https://www.senave.gov.py/ Government Management, Governance, Research, Funding Monitoring, Control, Agricultural development, Coordination, Regional cooperation, Sustainable development, Technology, Emergency assistance, Natural sciences
National School of Agriculture Senegal http://www.ensa.sn/ University Research Training, Natural sciences
National School of Agronomy Algeria http://www.ensa.dz/ University Education Training, Natural sciences
National Taiwan University https://www.ntu.edu.tw/ University Research Microbiology, Insects, Natural sciences
National University of La Plata UNLP https://www.unlp.edu.ar/ University Research Natural sciences
National University of Salta http://www.unsa.edu.ar/web/index.php University Research Natural sciences
Natural Resources Institute NRI https://www.nri.org Non-profit Organization Research Natural sciences
New South Wales Department of Primary Industries NSW DPI https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/insect-pests/locusts Government Education, Management Monitoring, Control, Forecasting, Training, Natural sciences
New South Wales Local Land Services NSW LLS https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/ Government Management Monitoring, Control, Natural sciences
Orthoptera Species File Online OSF https://www.Orthoptera.SpeciesFile.org University Education, Information Hub Taxonomy, Digital tool, Natural sciences
PlantVillage https://plantvillage.psu.edu/ University Management Monitoring, Agricultural development, Technology, Natural sciences
Prairie Pest Monitoring Network https://www.prairiepestmonitoring.blogspot.com/ Non-profit Organization Management Monitoring, Forecasting, Natural sciences
Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries QLD DPI https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/programs/locusts-prevention-control Government Management Monitoring, Control, Forecasting, Natural sciences
Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction University Research Natural sciences
Sahel Institute INSAH http://www.insah.cilss.int/ Intergovernmental Organization, University Development, Governance, Research, Management, Information Hub Agricultural development, Coordination, International development, Policy, Regional cooperation, Training, Natural sciences
Saskatchewan Agriculture https://www.saskatchewan.ca University Research, Information Hub, Management Forecasting, Natural sciences
Servicio Nacional de Saneamiento SENASA PY http://www.senasa.gov.py/ Government Information Hub, Governance, Management Monitoring, Control, Natural sciences
Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria e Inocuidad Alimentaria SENASAG http://www.senasag.gob.bo/ Government Management, Research Control, Agricultural development, Monitoring, Natural sciences
Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria SAGARPA-SENASICA https://www.gob.mx/senasica Government Governance, Management Regional cooperation, Monitoring, Control, Natural sciences
Servivio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria SENASA PE https://www.senasa.gob.pe/senasa/ Government Governance, Management Regional cooperation, Monitoring, Control, Natural sciences
Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur https://www.salu.edu.pk/ University Education, Research Natural sciences
State Committee for Plant Health CESAVE https://www.cesave.org.mx/ Government Information Hub, Management Control, Monitoring, Forecasting, Training, Natural sciences
State Committee for Plant Health in the State of Yucatan CESVY http://www.cesvy.org.mx/sobre_cesvy.html Government Management, Education, Governance Control, Training, Coordination, Natural sciences
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1238-3948 University Research Natural sciences
Systems Neuroscience & Neuromorphic Engineering Lab https://ramanlab.wustl.edu/barani.html University Research Olfactory, Neurobiology, Natural sciences Illinois
Tashkent State Agrarian University TDAU https://www.tdau.uz University Development, Education, Research Agricultural development, Training, Natural sciences
Tel-Aviv University TAU https://english.tau.ac.il/ University Research Natural sciences
The College of Agricultural Engineers of the Province of Córdoba CIAPC https://www.ciacordoba.org.ar/ University Education, Management Training, Monitoring, Control, Natural sciences
The French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development CIRAD https://locustcirad.wordpress.com/ Government Education, Development, Research, Management Forecasting, International development, Training, Agricultural development, Sustainable development, Natural sciences, Modeling, Monitoring, Research, Control, Community development
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem HUJI https://www.en.huji.ac.il/en University Research Natural sciences
The Insect Physiology & Behavior Research Group IPBRG https://behmerlab.tamu.edu/ University Research Natural sciences Texas
The National Food Safety and Quality Service SENASA AR https://www.argentina.gob.ar/senasa Government Management, Governance, Funding, Research, Education Control, Coordination, Emergency assistance, Forecasting, Monitoring, Regional cooperation, Technology, Training, Agricultural development, Sustainable development, Natural sciences
The Orthopterists' Society OS https://orthsoc.org/ Non-profit Organization Information Hub, Research, Education Coordination, Funding, Natural sciences
The Song Laboratory of Insect Systematics and Evolution https://www.schistocerca.org/SongLab/ University Research Natural sciences Texas
The Sword Lab https://www.swordlab.tamu.edu/ University Research Natural sciences Texas
United Nations University UNU https://www.unu.edu/ University Natural sciences
United States Agency for International Development USAID https://www.usaid.gov Government Funding, Development, Research, Governance Training, Agricultural development, Sustainable development, Monitoring, International development, Forecasting, Emergency assistance, Coordination, Control, Community development, Natural sciences
University of Bath https://www.bath.ac.uk/ University Research Modeling, Natural sciences
University of Granada UGR https://www.ugr.es/ University Research, Education Natural sciences
University of Greenwich https://www.gre.ac.uk/ University Development, Education, Governance, Research Agricultural development, Community development, Control, Coordination, International development, Policy, Regional cooperation, Sustainable development, Technology, Training, Natural sciences
University of Montana UMT https://www.umt.edu/ University Research Natural sciences Montana


References

  1. ↑ Pratt, Renae C., et al. (2008). "Diversification of New Zealand Weta (Orthoptera: Ensifera: Anostostomatidae) and Their Relationships in Australasia." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 363(1508): 3427–37. DOI.
  2. ↑ Chen, Lu, et al. (2021). "Ovipositor and Mouthparts in a Fossil Insect Support a Novel Ecological Role for Early Orthopterans in 300 Million Years Old Forests." eLife, 10(November): e71006. DOI.
  3. ↑ Smith, Dena M., et al. (2011). "First Fossil Orthoptera from the Jurassic of North America." Journal of Paleontology, 85(1): 102–5. DOI.
  4. ↑ Song, Hojun, et al. (2015). "300 Million Years of Diversification: Patterns of Orthopteran Evolution." Cladistics, 31(6): 621–51. DOI.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Cullen, Darron A., et al. (2017). "From Molecules to Management: Mechanisms and Consequences of Locust Phase Polyphenism." In Advances in Insect Physiology, 53: 167–285. Elsevier.
  6. ↑ Hall, Marion, and David Robinson (2021). "Acoustic Signalling in Orthoptera." In Advances in Insect Physiology, 61: 1–99. Academic Press. DOI.
  7. ↑ Cease, A. J. (2013). "Linking Rangeland Management with the Nutritional Physiology and Ecology of Locusts." Proceedings of the 22nd International Grassland Congress, 1619–22.
  8. ↑ Cease, Arianne (2012). "Locust Outbreaks and Migration in the Asian Steppe: The Influence of Land Management Practices and Host Plant Nutrient Status." Arizona State University.
  9. ↑ Cease, Arianne J., et al. (2015). "Living with Locusts: Connecting Soil Nitrogen, Locust Outbreaks, Livelihoods, and Livestock Markets." Bioscience, 65(June): 551–58. DOI.
Retrieved from "https://hopperwiki.org/index.php?title=Orthoptera_and_the_natural_sciences&oldid=177371"