Scientists have found about 1.2 million species of living creatures on Earth so far.
Some scientists say there may be as many as 8 million in all. Most live in the oceans. On land, most are in the tropical rain forests near the equator. These areas get lots of sunlight and water, which support life. The species we see today are just a fraction of what used to exist. More than 99 percent of the species that ever were have died out.
