"and bugs and plant life were not requisite passengers on the ark."

Plants maybe not, but where does it say no arthropods? According to biblegateway.com verse 20 of Genesis says this:

" Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive."

You're making this up Pete. If you don't read the bible what hope scientific papers?