How many organisms have been identified by biologists?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the estimated number of organisms identified by biologists, including various estimates and sources. It touches on the challenges of accurately counting species across different categories such as flora and fauna, and the uncertainty surrounding the total number of species, particularly among bacteria.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention that approximately 1.4 million species have been named, but this figure is contested.
  • One participant suggests that the best estimate for total species is around 10 million, with a range from 2 to 100 million due to insufficient information.
  • It is noted that 99% of bacteria may not have been identified, indicating significant gaps in knowledge.
  • Different sources provide varying estimates: the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) cites 1.75 million, while E.O. Wilson suggests 1.4 million, and another study estimates 1.5 million.
  • One participant humorously acknowledges the variability in answers and assigns a point to another participant for matching their estimate of 1.5 million.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the number of identified species, with no consensus reached on a definitive figure.

Contextual Notes

The estimates presented depend on various definitions and methodologies for counting species, and there are acknowledged limitations in the data available, particularly concerning microbial life.

Greg Bernhardt
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Aprox. how many organisms have been identified by biologists?
 
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*removes his answer in the interest of fair play*
 
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I found a website saying 1.4 million species have been named. However, since it's not my field, this is nothing but a website claim. And someone else has already answered.
 
1.4 million have been name
best estimate is 10 million
The estimate are 2 to 100 million

it is hard to evaluated the number of species due to the lack of information. It is though that 99% of bacteria have not been identify!

http://www.wri.org/wri/biodiv/b02-gbs.html
 
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2- Flora and fauna
 
1.7 million species
 
I realize this is a question that could yield a few answers, but Matt has correctly matched the answer I have which is 1.5 Million.

Matt receives 1 point! Next question will be posted tomorrow.
 

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