In water environments, changes in the numbers of mayfly, stonefly and caddisfly larvae indicate the degree of pollution present. Such biological indicators are much more sensitive to changes in their environment than any physical instrument made by humans. Food Production Many kinds of invertebrates are used by man as food. Lobsters, crabs, oysters and shrimp are some examples. In Alberta, invertebrates are essential to the production of many foods used by people.
Many insects are important plant pollinators.
Without insect pollination, we would not have apples, cherries, berries, and many vegetables. In addition to their role as pollinators, honeybees produce honey from the nectar of flowers. For example, the Peace River district is one of North America's most productive honey regions. The tunnels of earthworms help aerate soil and allow water to penetrate. This develops good soils in croplands and gardens.