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A simple way to tell insects apart - Anika Hazra

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9,989 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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There are nearly a million known insect species in the world, but most have one of just five common types of mouthparts. Why is this information useful to scientists? Anika Hazra explains how the features of an insect’s mouthparts can help identify which order it belongs to, while also providing clues about how it evolved and what it feeds on.

How does “Order” compare to every other level in the taxonomy hierarchy? Which levels are more specific and which are more general?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Anika Hazra
  • Director Giulia Martinelli
  • Script Editor Mia Nacamulli
  • Animator Giulia Martinelli
  • Composer Alessandro Nepote Vesin
  • Sound Designer Alessandro Nepote Vesin
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott, Elizabeth Cox
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen
  • Fact-Checker Francisco Diez

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