There are more species of bees than of mammals and birds combined — more than 20,000 and counting as scientists discover more. There are only about 5,500 species of mammals and about 10,000 species of birds. Bee populations in North America are undergoing a huge decline because of something called colony collapse disorder, an unexplained phenomenon in which worker bees simply disappear from a colony, causing it to collapse.
More facts about bees:
- Queen bees can lay up to 2,500 eggs per day. They lay the most eggs in the summer, when the hive needs to be at full capacity.
- It is legal to mail bees. The U.S. Postal Service accepts "bee mail" from most places in the world, although packages of bees do have special charges placed on them.
- The average honeybee's wings stroke almost 12,000 times a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many species are currently known to science?
As of recent estimates, scientists have described approximately 1.7 to 2 million species. However, this number represents only a fraction of the Earth's biodiversity. According to the World Register of Marine Species, there are over 240,000 marine species known, highlighting the vastness of life in our oceans alone.
What is the estimated total number of species on Earth?
Estimates for the total number of species on Earth vary widely, but most scientists agree that it's likely between 5 to 30 million. Some projections, considering the vast number of undiscovered microorganisms, suggest the number could be as high as 1 trillion, according to recent microbial studies.
Why is it difficult to determine the exact number of species?
Determining the exact number of species is challenging due to several factors: many regions of the world, like deep oceans and tropical rainforests, are underexplored; microscopic organisms are difficult to catalog; and species can go extinct before they are discovered. Additionally, cryptic species look identical but are genetically distinct.
Which group of organisms has the most species?
Insects are the group with the most species, boasting an estimated 5.5 million species, with beetles being the most diverse insect group. According to the Smithsonian Institution, insects make up about 80% of the world's species, illustrating their incredible diversity and adaptability across various ecosystems.
How many species are discovered each year?
Every year, scientists discover approximately 18,000 new species, though this number can fluctuate. These discoveries are often the result of expeditions to remote areas, advancements in technology, and increased genetic analysis, which helps identify species that may have been previously overlooked or misidentified.
What is the importance of discovering and cataloging new species?
Discovering and cataloging new species is crucial for understanding Earth's biodiversity, which is vital for ecosystem health and stability. It informs conservation efforts, helps scientists understand evolutionary relationships, and can lead to discoveries beneficial to medicine, agriculture, and other fields. Each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, and losing one can have ripple effects.
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Discussion Comments
@Viranty - It's funny you should mention your fear of bees, as that's perfectly understandable, especially since it happened during your childhood. I know plenty of people who have phobias that developed from when they were young. In my opinion, I think the reason why it can be hard to get over an unsettling childhood experience is because of the mentality children have.
When adults experience events in life, they're able to rationalize with them more, realizing that those things are going to happen. However, with kids, it's a completely different story. Unsettling events are something children don't normally expect. Good or bad, what happens to us during a young age shapes us and eventually molds us into who we are.
@Viranty - I have a similar fear as well. I'm afraid of wasps, although I wouldn't say my fear is "irrational". They are far more aggressive than bees, and will sting you just because they can. As an example, one time, I was outside enjoying a nice picnic. All of a sudden, I felt a sharp pain on my leg, and realized that I had been stung by a wasp (I saw it fly off).
It made me wonder what I had did to provoke it. Not only did I come to the conclusion that wasps are easily provoked, but unlike bees (who lose their stingers once they've stung a person), wasps can attack you as much as they want.
In all honesty, I have a very irrational fear of bees. I understand how important they are to nature, but I still don't care for them regardless. One thing I really dislike about bees is how they have a tendency to sting so much, sometimes for almost no reason at all. In fact, my dislike stems from a childhood experience, which I'd rather not go into detail about.
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