For example, widespread failure in our handful of remaining major crops and animal breeds due to disease or pest outbreaks is a very real possibility: given that pest and pathogens are constantly evolving, a diverse gene pool is essential if we are to develop insect- and disease-resistant strains in the future.

FORBES: The Future of Life On Earth: Part Two Of The Discussion

Many of our forests have also been hit by disease and insect infestation that pose a mortal threat to their future.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

The cause of Chagas disease is the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted to humans from a bite from an insect known as the triatomine bug.

CNN: Chagas disease

One form causes disease in humans, another is swallowed by mosquitoes, still another form reproduces, others move through the insect's intestines, and yet another enters the salivary gland of the mosquito and infects people.

BBC: Infected flies boost malaria hope