Breaking News English

The number of insects in the world has [falling / fallen] by 45 per cent in the past 35 years. Scientists say this could be dangerous for [humans / beings] . A report on insect [number / numbers] has been published in the journal 'Science'. It says the human population has [doubled / doubles] since 1980 while the number of insects has nearly [halves / halved] . One of the biggest reasons for this loss of insects is [deforestation / reforestation] . Many of the places where insects live are [disappearing / disappearance] because of new cities and land being [used / using] for farming. Another reason is global warming. Scientists say that in the UK, the number of beetles, butterflies, bees and [wasp / wasps] has fallen by up to 60 per cent. Many countries are worried [for / about] the disappearance of bees and butterflies.

Scientists say the [decline / recline] in insect populations will lead to [much / many] problems for humans. One of the biggest dangers is that there will be [fewer / less] insects to pollinate flowers. This means that farmers will have problems [growth / growing] food. The [lead / leader] author of the report, professor Rodolfo Dirzo, said falling numbers of insects could also lead to more disease in humans. He said rats and [mouse / mice] would have less food to eat so they will [moving / move] to cities and bring diseases with them. Dr Ben Collen from London University said we needed to stop more insects [from / for] dying. He added that scientists must understand, "what species are winning and [losers / losing] in the fight for survival". He said this knowledge would help us to [protect / protecting] the "helpful" insects.