Biology: Science for Life with Physiology (5th Edition)
Biology: Science for Life with Physiology (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780321922212
Author: Colleen Belk, Virginia Borden Maier
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 13, Problem 1LTB

How many different species have been identified by science? How many are estimated to exist?

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To write:

About the estimation of species that have been described by science.

Introduction:

On Earth, a characteristic of life is that it is full of variety. Experts refer that the variation among and within living species is known as biodiversity. These studies not only provide interesting stories and fodder for arguments about the “best species”, but they also help us to understand the evolutionary origins of different groups of organisms and their function in biological systems. Systematists are scientists specializing in the description and categorization of a specific group of organisms.

Explanation of Solution

In central databases, 1.5 million identified species were described. The new estimation of total species on Earth is around 8.7 million i.e., on land 6.5 million species are present and in oceans 2.2 million. 20% of the total is known to science at the moment. Scientists use extrapolation to determine how many species are yet to be discovered. Thegraphs below showed the number of new groups of animals within each taxonomic level (taxa) over time. In the graph, leveling off showed that few new groups are probably left to discover. The dotted lines that showed on each group will level off, based on the historical pattern.

Biology: Science for Life with Physiology (5th Edition), Chapter 13, Problem 1LTB

Conclusion

Till date, around 1.5 million species are identified.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
What is our learnings about the Origin of Species?
What do you think scientist expect to discover more species?
What are species?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Mechanisms of Genetic Change or Evolution; Author: Scientist Cindy;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FE8WvGzS4Q;License: Standard Youtube License