Humans and insects are often said to be the dominant animals on earth. And yet there's only one species of humans and over seven hundred thousand of insects. How would you explain this phenomenon?

http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/why-are-there-so-many-species-of-bugs-but-so-few-species-of-human/

<<Insects are a class. is a family. It's on the same level as comparing the means of millenia with the means of decades, as was done in that reproachful climate graph not so long ago. The family happens to be monotypical, like the Cocos family. So, why aren't there more coconut species? Bad bad coconut.>> Insects have had much more time to form a diversity over ages, has not. Time is the key to genetic mutation diversity.

The phenomenon of there being only one species of humans and over seven hundred thousand species of insects can be explained through several factors.

1. Evolutionary history: Humans belong to the taxonomic group called mammals, specifically primates. Our evolutionary lineage has focused on the development of complex social structures, culture, and technology. This limited our species to just one, whereas insects belong to the group called arthropods, which encompasses a vast array of species with diverse adaptations.

2. Reproduction and speciation: Insects are known for their high reproductive capacity, rapid generation turnover, and diverse reproductive strategies. They often have large numbers of offspring, allowing for greater genetic variability and increased chances of creating new species through evolution. Humans, on the other hand, have a relatively low reproductive rate and longer generation turnover, limiting the speed at which new species can emerge.

3. Ecological niches: Insects occupy a wide range of ecological niches, meaning they have diversified to fill various roles in different ecosystems. They have adapted to survive in diverse environments, exploiting different food sources, habitats, and ecological relationships. This diversity in their niches has led to the evolution of multiple insect species. Humans, despite their capacity to adapt, have predominantly occupied a particular niche and have not undergone extensive speciation as a result.

4. Environmental factors: The Earth's environment has played a significant role in shaping species diversity. Insects have existed and thrived for millions of years, evolving alongside changing climates, geological events, and ecological shifts. Their small size and ability to withstand various conditions have allowed them to colonize practically every terrestrial habitat on the planet. Human evolution, though influenced by environmental factors, has not led to the same level of species diversification due to our distinct physiological and behavioral characteristics.

In summary, the discrepancy in species numbers between humans and insects can be attributed to factors such as evolutionary history, reproductive strategies, ecological niches, and environmental influences. These elements have shaped the diverse array of insect species and contributed to their dominance in terms of sheer numbers on Earth.

The phenomenon you're describing can be explained by understanding the concepts of biodiversity, reproductive strategies, and ecological niches.

First, let's consider biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found on Earth. Insects are the most diverse group of animals, with over a million identified species, whereas humans belong to a single species, Homo sapiens. While humans may have great cultural and technological achievements, insects have evolved to occupy numerous ecological niches, adapting to different climates, habitats, and food sources. Their diversity allows them to successfully fill various roles in ecosystems.

Next, let's discuss reproductive strategies. Insects reproduce using a wide range of strategies including rapid reproduction and efficient resource utilization. Many insects have high reproductive rates, producing large numbers of offspring within a short period. This ensures the survival of their species even when facing high mortality rates. In contrast, humans have a slower reproductive rate. Generally, humans have a few offspring over a longer period and invest significant time and resources in each offspring's growth and development.

Additionally, ecological niches play a crucial role. An ecological niche refers to the specific role an organism plays within its ecosystem, including its interactions with other organisms and its utilization of resources. Insects have evolved to occupy diverse niches, such as pollination, decomposition, pest control, and nutrient recycling, among others. These roles contribute to the overall functioning and stability of ecosystems. Humans, on the other hand, have exploited their cognitive abilities to create and manipulate environments to suit their needs, enabling them to dominate many ecosystems.

In summary, the vast number of insect species compared to humans can be attributed to the tremendous biodiversity within the insects' group, their diverse reproductive strategies, and their ability to occupy unique ecological niches. While humans may excel in certain intellectual capabilities, insects' diversity and adaptability have allowed them to thrive in various environments and play essential roles in Earth's ecosystems.