THE VALUE OF FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH IN ENTOMOLOGY

Abstract

“Fundamental” or “basic” entomological research may be defined as any research that has insects as the organisms under study and that does not have as its immediate objective the eradication or reduction in numbers of these insects. Within the framework of this deliberately broad definition may be included:(1) Most, but not all, research done by entomologists in universities, closeted away in their “ivory towers” and generally appearing to the public not to care much about what goes on in the rest of the world. The motivation behind this research is the intrinsic curiosity of the scientist towards insects.