How many species are on Earth?
Quick Answer
About 2 million species have been named, but scientists estimate there may be around 8.7 million species of plants and animals, and far more if microbes are included.
The Full Story
Scientists have formally described roughly 2 million species, and thousands of new ones are named every year. A widely cited 2011 study estimated there are about 8.7 million eukaryotic species, which include animals, plants and fungi, meaning most remain undiscovered. Insects make up the largest share of known animal species, with beetles alone numbering around 400,000 described species. Estimates for bacteria and other microbes vary wildly, from millions to possibly a trillion kinds. Many species may go extinct before they are ever discovered.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Most life on Earth is still unknown — counting species"