Mmastodon ScienceBiology first seen 1 d ago, last 9 h ago, peak #2

Scientists estimate 10 quintillion insects alive on Earth

Original: 🐝 NEW: Roughly 10 quintillion # insects are alive on # Earth , spread across an estimated 5.5 to 7 million # species . A

A zoologist has laid out new figures on the sheer scale of insect life: roughly 10 quintillion individual insects are alive on Earth, spread across an estimated 5.5 to 7 million species. The overview highlights insects' essential roles in pollinating crops, controlling pests and breaking down dead material, while warning that climate change and other pressures threaten these populations.

Why now: The striking scale of insect biodiversity and warnings about climate-driven declines are prompting wide discussion.

insectsEarthzoologyclimate change

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Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 21 snapshots from 1 d ago to 9 h ago.

Evidence

• 🐝 NEW: Roughly 10 quintillion # insects are alive on # Earth , spread across an estimated 5.5 to 7 million # species . A zoologist outlines how insects pollinate crops, control pest populations, and break down dead material, then describes the threats from # climatechange ,… · tksst@fediscience.org · 8

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