# The most successful animals on Earth

The most successful animals on Earth: there are roughly one million described insect species, and scientists estimate 5–10 million may exist. More insect species than all other animal groups combined. Why so many? Small body size means less food needed, fast reproduction with many offspring, flight allows reaching new habitats, and the exoskeleton is incredibly versatile.

Builds on: Not all minibeasts are insects (hard, https://ai.page/c/not-all-minibeasts-are-insects/en.md), Insects in ecosystems (soft, https://ai.page/c/insects-in-ecosystems/en.md)

Concept id: the-most-successful-animals-on-earth. Subject: science. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.

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