The importance of invertebrates

Invertebrates are a remarkably numerous and widely diverse group of animals, from arthropods to
molluscs, and can be found in all corners of the planet. However, despite their great ecological,
economic and social importance, relatively few taxonomists and scientists have devoted themselves to
studying these animals.

It may seem a cliché, but the potential loss of invertebrates from food webs and ecological organisations
within an ecosystem would undoubtedly lead to the collapse of the entire environmental system. But
why would this happen? Firstly, because they are a vital source of food for many other animals, and at
the same time they participate in biological control and pest control, thereby maintaining a balance
within ecosystems. It’s also because they are involved in key processes, such as pollination or
decomposition, and are considered valuable environmental indicators. They even help to create and
maintain soil quality.

Many invertebrates are involved in key processes such as pollination. By Jan Meeus

Many invertebrates are involved in key processes such as pollination. By Jan Meeus

Then, if we consider the economic and social areas, it’s worth noting that invertebrates have a high
cultural and aesthetic value in many regions of the world, and can also have a significant influence on
the development of human activities. Many invertebrate species are used as a source of raw materials
(e.g. silk, dyes and honey) and also as a frequent source of food (crustaceans, cephalopods, bivalves,
etc.)

Finally, to further understand the importance of invertebrates in everyday life, it’s interesting to note
that a wide variety of species have been repeatedly used in valuable medical and genetic studies, many
of them related to the fight against cancer; also as research tools, contributing to the advancement of
science. Of all these species, we can mention Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans (the
first multicellular organism to have its genome completely sequenced) as two of the major protagonists
in this type research.

Drosophila melanogaster. By Dimijana | Shutterstock.com

Drosophila melanogaster. By Dimijana | Shutterstock.com

Main causes of invertebrate extinction

Here’s a brief description of the main, current causes of extinction faced by invertebrates.

Habitat destruction and fragmentation

Some of the causes that threaten the conservation and survival of invertebrates are the same as those
directly affecting other classes of animals. This is the case, for example, of habitat loss and destruction, a
universal problem which is recognised as the main cause of species extinction worldwide.

The processes of urbanisation and construction, intensive agriculture and coastal destruction can lead to
the fragmentation of the natural environment, displacing invertebrates and isolating them in very small
areas, which are more vulnerable to change. For this reason, it is common for many terrestrial
invertebrates to end up inhabiting mountain ecosystems, which are less affected by human activities.

Dangerous overexploitation

Over-exploitation is one of the major problems faced by invertebrates, especially with regards to
activities that use non-selective harvesting techniques. This is the case of trawling, an excessive
exploitation of the marine life with terrible consequences for the ecosystem. Over-fishing is
undoubtedly one of the greatest threats to marine invertebrate species.

Marine invertebrate species are the most affected by over-exploitation. By Milos Prelevic

Marine invertebrate species are the most affected by over-exploitation. By Milos Prelevic

Excessive pollution

Pollution is another reason why many invertebrate species are seriously endangered. Agricultural
intensification, coupled with the uncontrolled use of fertilisers and pesticides, can lead to considerable
problems such as acidification of rivers, deterioration of habitats or reduced diversity in ecosystems.

Climate change
Today, the effects of climate change on invertebrate species are better documented than a few years
ago: a loss of diversity, changes in the distribution of populations, phenological transformations, etc. All
of these harmful consequences affect the survival of the most specialised animals.

The introduction of invasive species

The introduction of invasive species is not a recent occurrence, but it’s something that has had a serious
impact on the planet’s natural ecosystems over the centuries. Displacement, competition and,
ultimately, extinction, are some of the possible consequences for native species sharing the same
ecological niche with alien species.

The American crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is an invasive species in Spain. By rugco | Shutterstock.com

The American crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is an invasive species in Spain. By rugco | Shutterstock.com

Conservation measures for invertebrates

As we have seen in this article, invertebrates are of extraordinary ecological, economic and social
significance, which is more than enough reason to focus a considerable amount of effort and resources
on their conservation. But what steps can we take to improve invertebrate conservation projects?

Firstly, it’s important to carry out a range of research that contribute to improving our understanding of
species distribution, the evolution of populations and their environmental needs. A rigorous species
population census, for example, is key for any conservation actions. It is also necessary to identify, as far
as possible, the causes of the decline and regression of each species, and to put together an appropriate
management plan for each one.

Also, in ecosystems and habitats a series of measures must also be carried out to increase the number of
individuals until optimum population levels are reached. These can include the protection of the most
suitable populations and reintroduction of traditional land uses.

For many invertebrates, it is important to maintain traditional land uses. By Jill Heyer

For many invertebrates, it is important to maintain traditional land uses. By Jill Heyer
Finally, it is no less important to raise awareness among the general public, most of whom are quite
unaware of the existence of many of these species and the threats to their survival.