Final answer:
Hexapoda, including insects, are essential for pollination and decomposition, positively impacting food supply. Yet, they can also be agricultural pests and disease vectors, negatively affecting food resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Terrestrial arthropods of the subphylum Hexapoda have a significant impact on the world's food supply in both beneficial and detrimental ways. On the positive side, many Hexapods, especially insects, play a crucial role in pollination. This process is vital for the reproduction of many flowering plants, including those that produce fruits, vegetables, and nuts that are essential to human and animal diets. Another benefit of Hexapoda is their role in the decomposition of organic materials, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
However, Hexapods can also have negative effects on food supply. Many species are considered pests that can destroy crops, leading to significant economic losses for farmers and decreased food availability. Additionally, some Hexapods are vectors for diseases that can affect both plants and animals, which may reduce crop yields and compromise livestock health.