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indigenous Native to a particular country or area.

insect . The world's most abundant creatures are the insects, whose known species outnumber all the other animals and the plants combined. Insects have been so successful in their fight for life that they are sometimes described as the human race's closest rivals for domination of the Earth. Entomologists, the scientists who study insects, have named almost 1,000,000 species perhaps less than one third of the total number. Insects thrive in almost any habitat where life is possible. Some are found only in the Arctic regions, and some live only in deserts. Others thrive only in fresh water or only in brackish water. Many species of insects are able to tolerate both freezing and tropical temperatures. Such hardy species are often found to range widely over the Earth. Few insects, however, inhabit marine environments. Small size, relatively minor food requirements, and rapid reproduction have all aided in perpetuating the many species of insects.

Certain parasitic insects spend much of their lives on or within the body of an animal host, where all the comforts of life food, moisture, warmth, protection from enemies are optimal. Other kinds of insects spend all or some part of their lives securely enclosed in a food plant. Some species have become remarkably versatile in order to meet the changing demands of the environment. Various water bugs and water beetles are able to fly and swim, as well as crawl. Many types of insects, such as the bees, ants, and wasps depend on a complex social structure and defensive behavior. Nonpredatory species frequently have special defenses, such as an unpleasant taste or odor, venomous spines, or camouflage.

Although they are adaptable and versatile as a group, insects are often unable to adjust to unusual weather conditions. Excessive rain, an unusually early frost, an extended drought these and other weather extremes can quickly wipe out or drastically reduce insect populations in a region. Because insects are an important item in the diet of many other animals birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, as well as other insects the number is constantly held in check. The total of all factors unfavorable to insect survival is overwhelming; thus, in some species, out of hundreds of eggs laid by a single female, seldom do more than a few individuals reach adulthood. The survival of some species is enhanced by the large numbers of eggs laid.

Despite their diversity, all adult insects share some basic external and internal anatomical features. Insects are distinguished from other members of the animal kingdom by having six legs; one pair of antennae; a ringed, or segmented, body; and three well-defined body regions. It is from the joined body rings, or segments, that insects derived their name, for the Latin word insecta means "segmented."

insectivore An animal that eats mainly insects or spiders.

insectivorous Referring to an animal that eats mainly insects or spiders.

international law The body of rules and customs by which sovereign states are guided in their relations with each other is called international law. It is based only on mutual consent of sovereign states, and it is effective either because the nations of the world recognize that it is to their best interests to accept it or because stronger nations are able to force their point of view upon weaker ones

introduced A species introduced deliberately or inadvertently by man within recent times. (Like the Golden Snail)

invertebrate An animal which lacks a backbone (such as insects, spiders and crustaceans).

iteroparity A species which has iteroparity reproduces more than once over a period of time.

IUCN categories notes

ivy . Several different kinds of climbing or creeping plants are known by the name of ivy. All are hardy shrubs or vines, growing in moderately cool, moist regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They climb by means of suckerlike disks, which attach themselves to walls and trees, or by means of twining tendrils. Many are cultivated as ornamental plants to cover walls and as ground cover in shady places where grass cannot thrive. Contrary to common belief, ivy does not ordinarily injure its means of support. A fair growth of ivy on sound walls promotes dryness and warmth, reduces weathering, and adds beauty. However, an excessively heavy growth upon a tree may strangle it.

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BE AWARE. BE CONCERNED. SAVE THE ANIMALS. SAVE US. SAVE THE EARTH.

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