Who is more numerous human beings or animals on earth?

Introduction: The question of numbers

As the only known planet to support life, Earth is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. However, the question of how many living organisms inhabit our planet remains a subject of debate. While it is difficult to accurately determine the total number of species on Earth, estimating the population of human beings and animals is a more manageable task. In this article, we examine the current estimates of human and animal populations and explore the implications of these numbers for our planet’s ecosystem.

Estimating the human population

According to the United Nations, the current world population is estimated to be over 7.9 billion people. This figure has been steadily increasing due to factors such as improved healthcare, increased food production, and a decrease in infant mortality rates. While the majority of the world’s population resides in Asia, Africa is currently experiencing the fastest population growth. The impact of such growth is significant, with concerns about dwindling resources, environmental degradation, and social and economic challenges being raised.

Estimating the animal population

Determining the total number of animals on Earth is a more difficult task compared to counting the human population. Nevertheless, estimates suggest that there are over 8.7 million species of plants and animals on Earth. In terms of animal populations, insects make up the largest number, with over 1 million known species. Other vertebrates, such as fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals, have a much smaller but still significant presence on Earth. However, the animal population has been declining rapidly due to habitat loss, climate change, and human activities such as poaching and pollution.

Insects: The most numerous animals

Insects are by far the most numerous animals on Earth, with estimates suggesting that there are over 10 quintillion individual insects. This means that there are over 200 million insects for every human being. Insects play a crucial role in our planet’s ecosystem, with their activities contributing to pollination, pest control, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. However, the impact of human activities such as deforestation and pesticide use has led to a decline in insect populations, which could have far-reaching consequences for our planet’s ecosystem.

Vertebrates: A smaller but still significant number

While insects make up the majority of animal populations, vertebrates such as fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals also play an important role in our planet’s ecosystem. While the total number of vertebrates on Earth is much smaller compared to insects, there are still over 66,000 known species of vertebrates. However, many of these species are currently facing extinction due to habitat loss, overfishing, hunting, and climate change.

The impact of human population growth

The current trend of human population growth has significant implications for our planet’s ecosystem. As the human population continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for resources such as food, water, and energy. This puts pressure on our planet’s natural resources, leading to environmental degradation, pollution, and a decline in biodiversity. Furthermore, the impact of human activities such as deforestation and urbanization has led to the loss of habitat for many animal species, further exacerbating the issue of biodiversity loss.

The impact of animal population decline

The decline in animal populations is a major concern for our planet’s ecosystem. As animal populations decline, there is a loss of biodiversity, leading to a reduction in ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control. Furthermore, the loss of keystone species such as bees and coral could have far-reaching consequences for our planet’s ecosystem. Finally, the decline in animal populations could also have an impact on human health, with the emergence of new diseases and the spread of existing ones being linked to the loss of biodiversity.

Comparing human and animal numbers

While it is difficult to compare the total number of humans and animals on Earth, estimates suggest that there are currently more humans than any other large mammal on the planet. This is in contrast to the past, where large mammals such as mammoths and mastodons were much more numerous compared to humans. However, it is important to note that the sheer number of insects on Earth far surpasses the number of humans.

The ethics of population control

The issue of population control is a contentious one, with concerns about individual rights and political ideologies being raised. However, it is important to note that population control measures need not be coercive or involve violations of human rights. Instead, measures such as improved access to family planning and education can help to reduce birth rates, leading to a more sustainable future for our planet.

The role of conservation efforts

Conservation efforts play a crucial role in protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Measures such as habitat restoration, wildlife conservation, and sustainable resource management can help to reduce the impact of human activities on animal populations. Furthermore, initiatives such as the creation of protected areas and the reduction of carbon emissions can help to mitigate the impact of climate change on our planet’s ecosystem.

Conclusion: The need for balance

In conclusion, the current estimates of human and animal populations on Earth highlight the need for a more balanced approach to resource management and population control. While human population growth has significant implications for our planet’s ecosystem, the decline in animal populations is also a major concern. As such, it is important to strike a balance between meeting the needs of human populations while also protecting our planet’s biodiversity. Only by doing so can we ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and the other living organisms that call our planet home.

References and further reading

• United Nations (2021). World Population Prospects 2020. Retrieved from https://population.un.org/wpp/
• Ceballos, G., Ehrlich, P.R., & Dirzo, R. (2017). Biological annihilation via the ongoing sixth mass extinction signaled by vertebrate population losses and declines. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(30), E6089-E6096.
• Cardoso, P., Erwin, T.L., Borges, P.A.V., & New, T.R. (2011). The seven impediments in invertebrate conservation and how to overcome them. Biological Conservation, 144(11), 2647-2655.
• Haddad, N.M. et al. (2015). Habitat fragmentation and its lasting impact on Earth’s ecosystems. Science Advances, 1(2), e1500052.
• McNamara, J.M. et al. (2018). The biodiversity of species and their rates of extinction, distribution, and protection. Science Advances, 4(7), eaat6807.