Jason EganDo cockroaches have a purpose in life?
October 22nd 2006 14:13
So do these disgusting, annoying, ugly (from any angle really) creatures have any reason to live?
Well it turns out the parasites do play an important role in our vast ecology. They are part of the global food web – 'the circle of life'. Here is why:
This is one of the main reasons as to why cockroaches have survived for such a long period of time – 300 million years to be exact. Cockroaches declined in number as the earth’s climate changed periodically, but they are currently thriving due to human impact. The little scavengers live for two things – heat, and a decent feed (both of which we have in abundance). Humans have re-created the Utopia for cockroaches. Our homes are kept warm all year round, and we leave food lying all over the place. To top things off, there are plenty of places to hide for the cockroach – under the stove, in the dishwasher, behind the toaster – the list is endless.
Funnily enough, most cockroaches aren’t pests. There are almost 3,500 species of cockroach in the world, and only 10 are on the World Health Organisation list of human pests. The majority of the cockroaches do not care about humans and their houses – choosing instead to recycle the waste products that are left outside. They also serve as food to small mammals, birds, amphibians and lizards.
Now to get one of those amphibians or lizards as a pet!
If Only!
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