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How many species

How many species exist is an estimate, not a finished count. The theory says perhaps 8 to 10 million. The middle of that interval is a fair round number to remember, but the uncertainty is large, especially for insects, fungi and life in the sea. Many species are not described yet. Biodiversity is more than the number of species. It is also genetic variation within the species and the variety of ecosystems. Land-use change, which takes habitats, is the biggest threat in Norway.

8+102=9\frac{8 + 10}{2} = 9middle of the estimate, millions of species

Symbols

88lower estimatemillions
1010upper estimatemillions

Example

The estimate is 8 to 10 million species.

The middle: (8+10)/2=9(8 + 10)/2 = 9 million.

Say that it is an estimate. Nobody has counted every species.
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Part of Biology 1: Biodiversity and classification.