What is the number of plants and animals that scientist have speculated exist and how many

Answer 1

Estimating the total number of plant and animal species on Earth is complex, as many species have yet to be discovered or described, and new species are continually being identified. Scientists typically estimate that there are approximately 8.7 million species of eukaryotic organisms (which include plants, animals, fungi, and protists), but this number can vary widely.

Here's a general breakdown of the estimates:

1. Animals: About 80% of the estimated 8.7 million species are animals, which could mean around 7 million animal species. However, only about 1.5 million of these have been formally described, leading to significant speculation about the number of undiscovered species, especially in biodiversity hotspots like tropical rainforests and deep oceans.

2. Plants: There are roughly estimated to be around 390,000 plant species described, with speculation suggesting that there may be many more undiscovered species, particularly in less explored regions.

3. Microorganisms: Estimates suggest there could be millions, potentially billions, of microbial species as well, many of which are yet to be classified.

In summary, while approximately 1.5 million species have been formally described, the speculative numbers suggest that the actual number could be as high as 8.7 million, with many species still unidentified. The true diversity of life on Earth is still a topic of active research and exploration.