More Microbial Species on Earth Than Stars In The Sky?

[candrew]

To quote Mr. Spock, "fascinating".

https://aeon.co/ideas/there-are-more...ars-in-the-sky

"Until recently, our planet was thought to be inhabited by nearly 10 million species. Though no small number, this estimate is based almost solely on species that can be seen with the naked eye. What about smaller species such as bacteria, archaea, protists and fungi? Collectively, these microbial taxa are the most abundant, widespread and longest-evolving forms of life on the planet. Looking beyond ourselves, microbes are found in Earth’s crust, its atmosphere, and the full depth of its oceans and ice caps. In total, the estimated number of microbial cells on Earth hovers around a nonillion (10³⁰), a number that outstrips imagination and exceeds the estimated number of stars in the Universe.

Knowing the number of microbial species on Earth could have practical implications that improve our quality of life. The prospect of yet-to-be harnessed biodiversity might spur development of alternative fuels to meet growing energy demands, new crops to feed our rapidly growing population, and medicines to fight emerging infectious diseases."

[imoldernu]

"Good on ye!"
I've been watching the 'new science" for a while now, but didn't have enough courage to start a thread.

I think, maybe the most important world changing subject since printing or electricity.

[candrew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by imoldernu "Good on ye!" I've been watching the 'new science" for a while now, but didn't have enough courage to start a thread. I think, maybe the most important world changing subject since printing or electricity.

Your signature line "we only know what we know" certainly applies here. Recent advances in technology have allowed us to merely scratch the surfaces of ocean depths (pun and contradiction of terms intended ) and the universe itself.