### 99.9% of Species are Extinct
It is estimated that about 99.9% of all species that have ever lived are now extinct. Scientists face challenges in confirming the exact number of species that have existed or are currently living due to the sheer abundance and variety of life forms. Despite our understanding of fossil formation and current extinction rates, it remains impossible to determine precisely how many species have gone extinct. However, paleontologists and evolutionary historians estimate that 99.9% of all species are extinct.
This figure encompasses all species that have ever lived on Earth, not just those currently existing. Life has endured through five mass extinctions, and scientists have hypothesized the number of species that may have existed based on these events and the periods preceding them.
According to these estimates, around 10 million species have lived on Earth, with humans discovering evidence of approximately 1 million. This supports the claim that 99.9% of species are extinct. Nonetheless, some skeptics argue that the total number of species might be closer to 6 million, suggesting a lower extinction percentage overall.
#### Are 99.9% of All Species Extinct?
Many researchers and scientists believe that less than a tenth of a percent of all species that have ever lived on Earth are still alive today. While some view this as a natural aspect of species evolution, others attribute the rising number of extinctions to human activity. Does this mean that over 99.9% of all species are extinct?
Some experts, such as Daniel Simberloff from the University of Tennessee, assert that Earth is currently experiencing its sixth mass extinction. This ongoing event could lead to more than 99.9% of all species becoming extinct. The truth lies in the numbers, as extinction and endangerment rates are higher than usual and are exacerbated by habitat destruction. As this trend continues, the number of extinct species is expected to rise further.
