The Couch Candy Protocol

The video uses a playful analogy of finding candies in couch cushions to explain how scientists estimate the number of undiscovered species on Earth. By observing how often new types of candies are found, one can estimate the number of unseen types. This method, called the Couch Candy protocol, was applied by researchers to estimate that there are about 9,200 undiscovered tree species. Despite centuries of cataloging, a significant portion of Earth's biodiversity remains unknown, especially in unexplored tropical regions. The video highlights the vastness of undiscovered life and the limitations of our current knowledge.

What method did researchers use to estimate the number of undiscovered tree species?

What is the estimated number of undiscovered tree species mentioned in the text?

How many tree species have been identified so far according to the text?

What does the Couch Candy protocol suggest about our knowledge of tree species?

Why might our lack of knowledge about the natural world not be surprising?