why are there so few marine species?
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There are actually a vast number of marine species, with estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions. However, when compared to the number of terrestrial species, marine species may seem relatively less diverse.
There are several reasons why there may appear to be fewer marine species than terrestrial species. Firstly, the ocean is a much harsher environment and presents greater challenges for organisms to survive. Factors such as salinity, pressure, temperature, and humidity can vary drastically throughout the ocean, making it difficult for many species to adapt and thrive.
Secondly, the marine environment is less hospitable to plant life, which forms the basis of most food chains on land. This leads to a relatively lower diversity of primary producers and, consequently, a lower diversity of higher trophic level species.
Lastly, the vastness and complexity of the ocean make it difficult to document and study all its species. This means that many marine species may still be undiscovered or poorly understood, leading to an underestimation of marine biodiversity.
Despite these challenges, there are still a vast number of marine species, each one uniquely adapted to its environment and ecosystem function.