New estimate suggests Earth has 14 to 20 million insect species, three times previous estimates. For 40 years, we thought Earth was home to six million insect species. Turns out, it could be three times that. For 40 years, we thought Earth was home to six million insect species.
This is significant because it affects science and could influence future decisions and outcomes. Understanding this story helps readers grasp the wider forces shaping science today.
- 01New estimate suggests Earth has 14 to 20 million insect species, three times previous estimates.
For 40 years, we thought Earth was home to six million insect species. Turns out, it could be three times that.
This development builds on a longer history of events in science.
- 01The core development: New estimate suggests Earth has 14 to 20 million insect species, three times previous estimates.
- 02Watch for follow-up developments in the coming weeks.
- 03Consider how this connects to related stories in the same category.
Popular Science
The core development: New estimate suggests Earth has 14 to 20 million insect species, three times previous estimates.
estimate
/ˈɛstɨmɨt/nounMeaning: A rough calculation or assessment of the value, size, or cost of something.
Easy meaning: A rough calculation or assessment of the value
million
/ˈmɪljən/numeralMeaning: (long and short scales) The cardinal number 1,000,000: 106; a thousand thousand.
Easy meaning: (long and short scales) The cardinal number 1
Example: I can think of millions of reasons not to go.
species
/ˈspiːsiːz/nounMeaning: Type or kind. (Compare race.)
Easy meaning: Type or kind. (Compare race.)
Example: the male species
suggests
/səˈdʒɛsts/verbMeaning: To imply but stop short of saying explicitly.
Easy meaning: To imply but stop short of saying explicitly.
Example: Are you suggesting that I killed my wife?
previous
/ˈpɹiːvɪəs/nounMeaning: An existing criminal record (short for "previous convictions")
Easy meaning: An existing criminal record (short for "previous convictions")
Example: It turned out the shoplifter had a lot of previous.
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