TED-Ed: Why are there so many insects? - Murry Gans

Insects vastly outnumber humans, with an estimated 10 quintillion individuals and a million known species. They make up 75% of all animals on Earth. Their success is due to rapid reproduction, genetic diversity, and adaptability to extreme environments. Insects occupy diverse ecological niches, feeding on various resources. Metamorphosis allows them to utilize resources efficiently without competition between life stages. Despite their small size, insects are the true conquerors of the planet, thriving in almost every habitat.

What is the estimated number of individual insects on Earth?

In what ways do insects adapt to extreme environments?

How do insects manage to occupy hundreds of different niches across ecosystems?

What are some of the resources that different insect species utilize for survival?

What role does metamorphosis play in the survival of insect species?