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Scientists find it very difficult to put an exact number on how many species live on earth. One popular estimate puts the total figure at 8.7 million*.
However, we are a long way off knowing anything about these species as only 1.2 million have been properly described. This means that we have only explored 14% of the species that live on the planet. How exciting! However, don’t jump for joy just yet. We are in a race against time. While 40-50 new species are discovered every day, another 50-150 species become extinct. The rate of extinction is currently running at around 1,000 times the normal rate. As a result of this, scientists often refer to the period we are currently living in as the sixth great extinction event; putting it on par with the extinction of the dinosaurs. |
8.7 million
Estimated species on earth 14%
of these have been discovered & studied Every single day...
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References
Convention on Biological Diversity (2007)
International Institute for Species Exploration (2017)
Mora, C. et al. (2011) How many species are there on Earth and in the ocean?
World Wildlife Fund (2017) How many species are we losing?
Convention on Biological Diversity (2007)
International Institute for Species Exploration (2017)
Mora, C. et al. (2011) How many species are there on Earth and in the ocean?
World Wildlife Fund (2017) How many species are we losing?
*Clarification
Scientists have found it extremely difficult to calculate the total number of species on earth. Estimates range from 2 to 100 million. If you don't know how many you have to start with, it's difficult to understand how many you're losing. Mathematical models indicate extinction rates running from 100 to 10,000 times the normal rate. We have based our information on the references above.
Scientists have found it extremely difficult to calculate the total number of species on earth. Estimates range from 2 to 100 million. If you don't know how many you have to start with, it's difficult to understand how many you're losing. Mathematical models indicate extinction rates running from 100 to 10,000 times the normal rate. We have based our information on the references above.
