The most successful animals on Earth
Science · Insects & Minibeasts · conceptual
The most successful animals on Earth: there are roughly one million described insect species, and scientists estimate 5–10 million may exist. More insect species than all other animal groups combined. Why so many? Small body size means less food needed, fast reproduction with many offspring, flight allows reaching new habitats, and the exoskeleton is incredibly versatile.
What mastery looks like
- State that insects are the most species-rich group of animals with about one million known species
- Give at least two reasons why insects are so successful such as small size, fast reproduction, or flight
- Compare insect diversity to another animal group, explaining that there are far more insect species than mammals or birds
Check your understanding
Does The most successful animals on Earth know which group of animals has more species than any other on Earth — and can they explain why insects are so incredibly successful?
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